But why? A podcast for curious kids is known for serious answers to silly questions sent

in by kids just like you. But did you know that but why is now a book series?

Our first book, Our Lama's Ticklish, answers questions from real kids about farm animals.

This colorfully illustrated book is perfect for kids ages 8 to 10. And our second book,

To Fish Breathe Underwater, explores the underwater world of the ocean. Learn more at

at themykids.org slash books.

Why do people need to sleep?

This is But Why, a podcast for curious kids from VPR. I'm Jane Lindholm.

On this podcast, we take questions from kids just like you all over the world and we find answers.

We've heard from a lot of you who listen to podcasts when you're winding down and getting ready for bed.

So it makes sense that a lot of you are inspired to send us questions about sleep.

Why do people toss and turn when they're asleep? When you're getting into the deep sleep, your body somehow wakes you up by kicking in.

And it feels like you're jump really hot. Why is that? I don't want to get out of bed in the morning.

And when it is nighttime, I don't want to go to bed.

In this episode, we are answering your questions about sleep. Did you know there are doctors who focus specifically on helping kids sleep better?

We found one of them at National Jewish Health. That's a hospital in Colorado.

My name is Dr. Lisa Meltzer and I am a pediatric sleep psychologist, which means I work with kids to help them sleep better.

Do you feel like you sleep pretty well? Do you think, oh, yay! When the adults in your life tell you it's bedtime or do you struggle to get ready for bed?

And maybe even struggle to go to sleep or to stay asleep.

Dr. Meltzer says there are a few things that all of us can do to help us on the path to good sleep.

Kids have a very consistent bed time and wake time, so that means you go to bed about the same time every night and wake up about the same time every morning.

We recommend things like not having any screens in your bedroom, having a bedroom that's nice and cool and dark in a place that you like to sleep.

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