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WHY DO WE SLEEP?
How It Works UK
|Issue 203
A good night's rest is an essential part of life, but getting enough can be hard. We take a look at the science behind snoozing and how you can sleep easy

It takes up a third of our lives and seems to be a non-negotiable part of being human, but what exactly is sleep and why is it essential?
Sleep is often defined as a state of rest, and it does appear that way from the outside. However, our brains and bodies are working overtime. During sleep, the brain and body go through a schedule of events known as sleep cycles. We typically go through six cycles per night, and each one is made up of four stages. Stage 1 is the period when you first doze off, and it lasts up to seven minutes. Stage 2 lasts for up to 25 minutes and is accompanied by muscle relaxation, a slower heart rate and a cooler body temperature. Next up is Stage 3, commonly known as deep sleep as it's difficult to wake up during this stage. It lasts up to 40 minutes and is essential for body recovery and growth.

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