• Question: Why do we have to sleep?

    Asked by 782yttc52 to Anna, Hayley, Iain, Rebecca on 15 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Rebecca Jones

      Rebecca Jones answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      No one really knows for sure yet but here are a number of theories why. For one, people get cranky when they don’t sleep and often complain of forgetfulness, hallucinations or confusion if they don’t sleep. Also, while we sleep our bodies repair themselves and appear to ‘shut down’. During this time many of our memories are consolidated and moved from short term to long term memories. The brain also replaces chemicals during sleep as well. The amount of sleep required though changes with age.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      I agree with Rebecca. We sleep for many reasons, for example to rest and ‘recharge our batteries’ but also to process in our dreams what we have experienced during the day.

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