You're listening to Sleep Tight Science.

Did you know that the average person sleeps for about one third of their life?

That means if a person is 33 years old, they have slept for 11 years. Wow!

So why do we sleep?

We sleep so that our brains and our bodies can develop and grow.

Our brain needs sleep so we can remember what we learned.

So we can pay attention and concentrate.

And so we can solve problems and think of new ideas.

Though no one is exactly sure what work the brain does when you're sleeping.

Some scientists think that the brain sorts through and stores information,

replaces chemicals, and solves problems while you snooze.

Our bodies need sleep, so our muscles,

bones and skin can grow.

So that our muscles, skin, and other parts can fix injuries,

and so our body can stay healthy and fight sickness.

When your body doesn't have enough hours to rest,

you may feel tired or cranky,

or you may be unable to think clearly.

You might have a hard time following directions, or you might have an argument with a friend

about something really silly.

A school assignment that's normally easy-peasy may feel impossible.

And you may even feel clumsy playing your favorite sport or instrument.

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