Why Does The Brain Have To Sleep?

1. 64

   PhoenixVposted 11 years ago

   Why Does The Brain Have To Sleep?
   
   Why Does The Brain Or Humans Have To Sleep?

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2. 68

   Nadene Seitersposted 11 years ago

   What an excellent question! I often times wondered why people had to sleep when there are several other animals that actually do not sleep. They go into a rest period, but it is not the same as when humans sleep.
   
   There are several theories as to why humans sleep. The first theory is that when we sleep it is usually at night time; therefore, sleeping is a way to keep ourselves safe. The second theory is the inactivity theory, which goes hand in hand with the first theory. During sleep we consume about 10% less calories, which means that we do not need to consume as much. The third theory I found is the rejuvenation theory, which states that during sleep we heal ourselves, basically. For example, if an animal is deprived of sleep for weeks at a time, it loses its immune system, which eventually kills it. The fourth theory is brain plasticity. The theory is brain plasticity connects to the rejuvenation theory in a way. Scientists know that sleep plays a large part in the development of a child’s brain and the learning abilities of an adult to stay sharp.
   
   My favorite theory is my own: we sleep because it conserves energy and allows our bodies to use that energy elsewhere to keep us healthy and of a sound mind.
   
   People who experience sleep deprivation experience the following: aching muscles, flu-like symptoms, confusion, depression, hallucinations, hand tremors, headaches, sensitivity to cold, increased blood pressure, increased stress hormones, and in serious cases death.

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3. 63

   mintinfoposted 11 years ago

   Nadine's third theory was closest to the correct answer.
   
   Although we were built for the light darkness is very important. Our senses have become overstimulated which has weakened our immune systems leaving us more susceptible to diseases. Most of us now suffer from white noise radiation which has calcified the pineal gland. At night in complete darkness our pineal glands secretes Melatonin which is respondible for counteracting the effects of Serotonin and repairs our DNA.
   
   Always sleep in complete darkness and quiet. You will help your body to heal by optimizing your cell rejuvenation.

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4. 0

   il Scetticoposted 11 years ago

   Along with what has already been said, there are two more theories I am aware of.
   
   1:  It is an ancient defense mechanism because humans are weak creatures and needed to find dark, damp places to hide from predators while consuming low energy.
   
   2:  The brain needs time to sort through, and categorize the events of the day, and prepare for even more sensory stimulation.

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5. 37

   edhanposted 11 years ago

   Every parts of our bodies require to rest.
   
   Sleeping is one of the method to have proper rest and regain the energy as well as repairing if there is any injury.
   
   A good deep sleep of 2 - 4 hours will be enough to regain our strength to handle a new day.

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   1. 37

      edhanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The general time is 7 - 8 which consider the time when you lie on your bed and you will be in light sleep before going into deep sleep. Unless you are extremely tired, it will take about 1 - 2 hours of light sleep before and after deep sleep

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6. 58

   Diane Woodsonposted 11 years ago

   If we do not rest, our brain cannot be recharged, the enzymes in our body fluids and blood, all work together..If one chemical in ones blood is not right it can cause bipolar disorder, and a number of other physiological symptoms to occur setting gone up for a lifetime of meds....which is good...Rest is Gods way of letting us see we cannot do it all by ourselves but must follow his rules and take care of the body he gave us. So many things come into play. I am no psychiatrist, however another thought just came to mind that our body soul mind and spirits all work together. If our body is tired, our mind is tired, it all is in sync, throwing the whole system out of order as well.  Its a great ?
   Sleep deprivation also mimics with the affects a number of psychological maladies.
   In bipolar  the person will stay awake for days at a time talking  incessantly and making no sense. The brain chemicals cause it, its not to be confused with deprivation. Bipolar is a serious condition which has many symptoms, also, lack of rest will bring on depression, headaches and other symptoms. Precious elements in our bodies have to be recharged during rest, sleep. Its vital to ones health psychically and psychologically.

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