Why do we sleep?

Every night, millions of children and grown-ups get into bed, close their eyes and fall asleep. We spend almost a third of our lives asleep. Wouldn't it be more fun to keep playing? Not really, because while we sleep our body and brain do very important work.

Sleeping is not switching off

Even though your eyes are closed and you do not notice what is going on around you, your body is still very active. The heart keeps beating, the lungs keep breathing and the brain keeps working.

What the brain does while you sleep

During the day you learn many things: new words, the way to school, the rules of a game. At night the brain sorts that information and stores the important parts in memory. That is why, after a good night of sleep, you remember and learn better.

What the body does

While you sleep, the body repairs itself. Muscles rest, the defenses get stronger and children grow. Sleeping well gives you more energy, a better mood and more desire to play the next day.

The stages of sleep

Sleep is not the same all night. It goes through stages: first light sleep, then deep sleep, when it is hard to wake up, and then another stage in which the brain is very active and we have most of our dreams. These stages repeat several times each night.

How many hours do I need?

School-age children usually need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep, and adults between 7 and 9. If we sleep less than we need, it is harder to concentrate, we feel more tired and in a worse mood.

Tips for sleeping better

Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, switching off screens a while before, eating a light dinner and reading a calm story all help you fall asleep. A dark, quiet and cool bedroom helps too.

Activity: a dream diary

Keep a notebook beside your bed and, when you wake up, draw or write what you remember from your dreams. It is a fun way to see how your brain works while you rest.

💡 School-age children need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep.