Why sleep is important for you

Why do you need sleep?

Your body and your brain need sleep to have a break from being busy all day.

Sleep helps you build up the energy you need to play and learn again the next day.

Your brain needs sleep to...

Help you remember what you have learned.

To help you focus the next day.

It needs sleep to think of new ideas and help you solve problems.

Your body needs sleep to...

Grow and rest.

To heal and fix injuries.

Your body needs sleep to help you stay healthy and to fight off sickness.

How long do I need to sleep?

You need around 10 to 12 hours sleep each night.

It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to sleep so your body and brain can get ready for the next day.

But sometimes I can't sleep!

Every now and then it can be hard to get to sleep.

But if it happens a lot and it’s causing problems during the day, it’s important to let someone know.

What can help?

Going to bed at the same time every night so your body knows it’s time to sleep.

It also helps to have a comfortable and quiet place to sleep.

A bedtime routine can help too!

It can help to do the same things every night before bed - like cleaning your teeth, reading a book or listening to relaxing music.