We do not fully understand why we sleep, but think that it restores the bodies energy supplies that have been depleted during the day. It is the time when the body does most of its repair work and when the body releases growth hormones in children. The required amount of sleep varies from person to person, but most need around about 8 hours.

What does sleep do?

• Gives the body time to repair
• Is the time when people grow
• Restores used energy supplies
• Allows us to to be more athletic

Symptoms of lack of sleep

• Lack of sleep affects our thinking
• Less coordination
• Feel more tired
• Difficult to make decisions
• May start to feel depressed

Tips for a good nights sleep

• Keep to a regular pattern of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day
• Make sure that your bed and bedroom are comfortable - not too hot, not too cold, not too noisy
• Get some exercise
  
• Stop drinking tea or coffee in the evening
  
• Don't drink a lot of alcohol
• Don't eat or drink a lot late at night
• If you've had a bad night, resist the temptation to sleep the next day
• Write things your are thinking about and then tell yourself to deal with it tomorrow
• If you can't sleep, read a book