Sleep & You

We need six sleep hours to relax and rejuvenate our brains each night, with an additional one to three hours to repair and restore the body’s cells, say sleep experts. Women need an average of 54 minutes more sleep than men each night, and those who get enough sleep will feel healthier and live longer than men. On average, men make at least 12 full body twists and turns once asleep. They move or twitch more than 70 times a night! 

Sleep helps our body and brain develop and grow.

Your Brain Needs Sleep, so you can: Remember what you learn Pay attention and concentrate Solve problems and think of new ideas

Your Body Needs Sleep, so your: Muscles, bones, and skin can grow Muscles, skin and other parts can fix injuries Body can stay healthy and fight sickness

How Sleep Works

Your Body Rests, But is Also Active During Sleep

You spend the day running on the playground, learning at school, eating meals, and at night your body and brain get to rest, right? Wrong! In fact, while you are off in dreamland, your body and brain are very busy getting ready for a new day. That is why it is so important to give yourself time to sleep.

Sleep and You You can be your best when you get enough good sleep! Kids ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. When you get enough sleep you can: Pay attention better in school Be creative and think of new ideas Fight sickness so you stay healthy Be in a good mood Get along with friends and family Solve problems better Without enough sleep you can: Forget what you learned Have trouble making good choices Be grumpy and in a bad mood Have trouble playing games and sports Be less patient with brothers, sisters, and friends Have trouble listening to parents and teachers Can't Sleep? Most people have trouble sleeping once in awhile. Some things can keep you from getting a good night's sleep. But there are lots of things you can do to help yourself sleep well. Some children and adults can have trouble getting a good night's sleep even when they follow all the sleep tips. These people may have a sleep disorder. Some people with sleep disorders don't sleep well at night or are very tired during the day. But, other kids with sleep problems may not feel tired during the day. They might have trouble paying attention, get into fights with family and friends, or feel down and sad. If you are very tired during the day or not sleeping well at night, talk to your parents and doctor.