N
o-one knows exactly
why we sleep.
Personal experience tells us
we need it. After all, who isn’t
grouchy after a bad night?
But what can science tell us about
our need to nod off every night?
Scientists agree that sleep is crucial
for our well-being and research
reveals all sorts of benefits, such as
enhanced memory consolidation.
They also know it’s impor tant for
growing, and changing, bodies, as
teenagers need as much sleep as
small children. So far, scientists have
managed to identify many of the
biological processes associated with
the stages of sleep. But big questions
remain, such as why do we dream?
Most discoveries have happened in
the last 25 years, so more answers
may be just around the corner.
In the meantime, read on to find
out about the latest discoveries
from the land of nod...is the ideal temperature
for a good night’s sleep if
you’re wearing pyjamas16-19°C
4 hours
$10 billion
THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE
SLEEP INDUSTRY BY 2020
WOMEN NEED
AROUND 20 MINUTES
EXTRA SLEEP A NIGHTCOMPARED TO MEN
Avoid consuming
caffeine at least
before going to bed
of sleep are lost by parents in
the first year of their baby’s life
400-750 hours
of Britons say
that stress
keeps them
awake at night
Artificial
lights have
changed
our natural
sleeping
patterns