Why We Need To Sleep

Why We Need To Sleep

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Sleep is essential for everyone, especially kids. It’s not just about resting after a long day—it helps your body and brain do important work while you're resting. Here’s why sleep matters so much.

Sleep acts like a battery charger for your body. When you sleep, your body gets a chance to rest and recharge. Without enough sleep, you might feel tired or grumpy, and it can be harder to focus at school or enjoy playing with friends. Getting a good night’s sleep gives you the energy you need to tackle the day ahead.

While you sleep, your body is also working to help you grow stronger. It repairs muscles, builds up energy, and helps you grow taller. This is especially important for kids, who are still growing. The better your sleep, the better your body can grow and develop the way it should.

Sleep helps keep your body healthy too. It boosts your immune system, which is like a shield that protects you from getting sick. When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system doesn’t work as well, making you more likely to catch a cold or other sickness. So, sleep helps keep you healthy and strong, so you can keep playing and having fun.

Getting enough sleep also helps your brain. Sleep gives your brain a chance to organize all the things you learned during the day. It helps you remember school lessons, pay attention in class, and solve problems better. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can be harder to focus, and you might forget things more easily. Sleep makes your brain sharper and helps you do your best at school.

Finally, sleep affects how you feel. If you sleep well, you wake up feeling happier and ready for the day. Without enough sleep, you might feel grumpy or upset. Sleep helps you stay in a good mood and be ready for whatever comes your way.

So, if you want to feel good, grow strong, and be ready to learn, sleep is key. For kids ages six to 12, it is vital to get nine to 12 hours of sleep. Make sure to get plenty of rest to stay healthy, happy, and ready for all the adventures each new day brings.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Sleep." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html.

National Sleep Foundation. "Why Do We Need Sleep?" National Sleep Foundation. Accessed March 30, 2025. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep.

Sleep Health Foundation. "Why Is Sleep Important?" Sleep Health Foundation. Accessed March 30, 2025. https://sleephealth.org/sleep-health/.