why do we need to sleep?
493138
Biologists believe that during waking hours there are chemical changes (like harmful substances) and physical changes (wear and tear on cells) that are corrected when we sleep. Different stages of sleep are believed to have different functions. For example, REM sleep (when we dream) is believed to be when we consolidate learning and make memories. Slow wave sleep (the times when we are really quiet and not dreaming) is when restoraton is believed to take place. \n\nAs somebody said earlier, if we dont sleep we eventually die. Sleep deprived Rats became uncoordinated, lost weight due to climbing metabollc rates and appeared to starve to death though they were fed. Their immune functon was also compromised but cause of death was not really clear. \n\nMoreover, If you dont sleep you get haggard and ugly, its hard to concentrate, your family will eventually hate you for being a grouch and you will lose your job for making mistakes and telling off your boss. (if you dont kill yourself while driving to work first.) Everything is better with sleep :)
7944
its not that we dont get enough sleep its because we have been resting for so long.   \n           E-mail me @ philipsb4@sbcglobal.net Kimmy
1047253
You need to sleep as much as possible since it is the only thing that you can't do too much. You can exercise too much, drink too much water etc. But you do not control sleep. If you do not need it, you can't do it. You can lie there but it will not happen. So sleep as long as it takes till you cannot sleep anymore.\n\nSee "fat loss tips" on below site for more on what sleep does for you.
356089
Our body uses sleep for extreme brain activity.  It goes through all of the happenings of the day and records and categorizes them.  It decides the lessons learned (as in, if you got bit by a large green bug..you will now avoid large green bugs) and helps maintain the learning process.\n\nWithout adequet sleep, you will often not remember the events of the last few days as well, and being that you did not have time to process the last events, you will have difficulty concentrating on new ones.\n\n\nThat and its fun.
637663
It's usually depression that causes insomnia, anxiety, and hyperactivity.  Although no one has ever DIED from lack of sleep, it's best not to let this slide. Our human body needs between 7-8 hours of sleep every night to function at it's best. Make an appointment fora physical with you family doctor and make sure you tell him/her about your problems.
629002
Your body is telling you it wants more sleep...listen to it.
622847
Sleep is the regular state of natural rest observed in all mammals, birds and fish. Sleep is not actually "unconsciousness," but rather, it is a natural state of rest characterized by a reduction in voluntary body movement, decreased awareness of the surroundings, an increased rate of anabolism (the synthesis of cell structures) and a decreased rate of catabolism (the breakdown of cell structures). Therefore, since consciousness is literally the awareness of the surroundings, being asleep is just an altered state of consciousness, as opposed to being unconscious. It is heavily influenced by circadian rhythms and by hormonal and environmental factors. Sleep performs a restorative function for the brain and body as evidenced by the myriad symptoms of metabolic dysfunction that result when animals are deprived of sleep.\nThe function of sleep in health and in disease is being increasingly studied in specialized sleep laboratories throughout the world. Not only insomnia, but more recently elucidated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy are evaluated in such facilities. The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders is likely to be a function both of more sophisticated diagnostic tests and the disruption of the normal day-night cycle in modern societies.
17294
What I've read, there is some confusion about the function of sleep.\n\nOne aspect is to properly rest your muscles, the other may be to reconsolidate thoughts from that day. At certain times during sleep (REM phase) the brain is very active, so it is unlikely that you can call this rest.\n\nFrom A-Level Psychology I remember that brains can adapt to sleeping habbits so it is possible to reduce the amount of sleep you get. To go without sleep completely for long periods is generally considered unhealthy.
487583
U need at least 4 hours sleep. Your body needs to rest so it can stay healthy. U will probably go crazy before your body will give out lol.. Sleep is important!! Stop to rest and close your eyes!
358621
The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person but most require 8 hours.  You should sleep at least the number of hours it takes for you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. For some people, this is 6 hours, for others, it is 10.  You have to find out what works for you.
49694
It's not worthless . . . just not as beneficial.  Even a few hours sleep will recharge your muscles as well as increase blood flow to your brain.  But, REM sleep is necessary.  Go a day or two without it and you will begin to suffer memory loss, poor concentration, and difficulty completing simple tasks.
896109
There will be times in your life when you will need 12 hours and it's no big thing.  Your body tells you when you need sleep, and if it's at all possible (like not at work or driving, etc.) then listen to your body.  When you sleep your body rebuilds itself.  Just don't over-do it night after night with that much sleep.  Normal needed is about 8 hours a night.  But you can play catch-up sometimes.
1134672
Because you are tired.  Get some rest and drink some water.
245238
9 hours is actually a very healthy amount to sleep. If you can, why not? 6 hours is too little
231751
Hi, M.\nLots of reasons; stress, an insufficient amount of exercise during the day, napping during the day, travel, and all of the things that wake us up in the night anyhow so that we can't get back to sleep.\nAnd, as I recall you're not in a relationship right now...\n\nSorry I couldn't get this answer to you before the stupid ones got there first.
237267
During exercise (movement) the body destroys cells, so during sleep (and rest) the body repairs and replaces cells.  The food we intake provides the body with the nutrients needed.  \n\nSleep also relieves pain.  The metabolism slows (cutting the oxegen supply) which (magically) lessens pain. \n\nEat healthy!!!!\n \n\n\nI am not a doctor.
191560
Try getting more sleep.