Why Do We Actually Need Sleep?

Question

Care to anwser why our bodies need to slow down for 8 hours a day?

Answer 1

Recent animal studies have suggested that sleep is necessary for survival. For example, while rats normally live for two to three years, those deprived of REM sleep survive only about 5 weeks on average, and rats deprived of all sleep stages live only about 3 weeks. Sleep-deprived rats also develop abnormally low body temperatures and sores on their tail and paws. The sores may develop because the rats' immune systems become impaired. Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects the immune system in detrimental ways.

Sleep appears necessary for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out math calculations. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop. Some experts speculate that sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy or so polluted with byproducts of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Sleep may also give the brain a chance to exercise important neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity.

Deep sleep is particularly important. Many of the body's cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Because proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep." Activity in parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep, suggesting that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while they are awake. A study in rats also showed that certain nerve-signaling patterns that the rats generated during the day were repeated during deep sleep. This pattern repetition may help encode memories and improve learning.

REM sleep stimulates the brain regions used in learning. Like deep sleep, REM sleep is associated with increased production of proteins. One study found that REM sleep affects learning of certain mental skills. People taught a skill and then deprived of non-REM sleep could recall what they had learned after sleeping, while people deprived of REM sleep could not.

Answer 2

To give your heart a rest. Studies show that people who dont get enough sleep, have a higher incidence of Cardiovascular Disease. It also slows down your brain waves.

Answer 3

When we sleep our bodies go into healing mode.Even our skin repairs itself during sleeping.Its the only time we are in a completely relaxed state,and our minds arent racing with thoughts.Its also highly enjoyable!!

Answer 4

to give the body a rest, like the heart and that plus sleeping is the best cool dreams and that, can't live without it!!!!!

Answer 5

Well if you are a crack head then your body don't need the rest... but for us normal people, are body need that time to re-gad are energy and it help the body as a hole.

Answer 6

to recharge were all jst like a battery if were used 2 much we jst are useless

Answer 7

the body is tired needs rest to regain energy and RENEW CELLS AND TISSUE.

Answer 8

Probably something in our dim, distant past when there was no electric light and no computers.

Answer 9

Don't sleep for a week and you question will be answered!

Answer 10

because when you sleep its like recharging your bateries to get up every day