Do you really know? Why do our bodies need to sleep?
Jun 4, 2025
Sleep might seem like a waste, but it's crucial for our health. No one has lasted more than 11.5 days without it, proving its importance for survival. The podcast dives into the functions of different sleep cycles, including the fascinating REM phase. Sleep helps us process daily experiences, aiding in emotional and cognitive well-being. Despite some boasting about sleepless nights, the reality is that restorative sleep is essential for a vibrant, healthy life.
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Sleep Is Vital for Survival
- Sleep is more essential to human survival than food or water.
- No one has gone longer than 11.5 days without sleeping, highlighting its critical importance.
Sleep Cycles and Their Functions
- Sleep cycles last about 90 minutes and include slow-wave and REM sleep.
- Slow-wave sleep repairs the body, while REM sleep activates the brain and causes dreaming.
The Role of REM Sleep
- REM sleep may help release instinctual impulses and plays a role in memory consolidation or forgetting.
- It represents about 20% of total sleep time and was discovered in 1959.