Why is sleep so important? - WSMV Channel 4  Why is sleep so
important?  Posted: Updated:  Almost every day you can find a
new study talking about the health problems that can come from a
lack of sleep.  Pulmonologist and sleep specialist Dr. Brad
Bittle said a deep sleep is restorative, and it's when a growth
hormone is released.  Bittle said a lack of sleep can increase
the risk of hypertension, a stroke, a heart attack, obesity and
diabetes.  "I have a lot of trouble going to sleep," said Mona
Petty.  "When I do finally, I guess I turn off, it seems like I
sleep a couple hours and then I guess I think it's time to get
up," said Bonnie Dennis.  Dennis and Petty are sisters and said
they both put their head on the pillow but have a difficult time
getting good sleep.  "I get maybe four, if I'm lucky, five hours
of sleep," said Dennis.  "The way the hustle and bustle is in
the world, there's no time for rest," said Petty.  "There's just
too much stress in the world, you always have something to do,"
said Denni