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LiveScience
LiveScience
Mindy Weisberger

Sleep: Facts about how and why we sleep

A retro-style illustration of a sleeping woman in bed.
Quick facts about sleep

Sleep Cycles: One rapid eye movement (REM) stage and three non-REM stages that altogether last about 90 to 120 minutes

Benefits: Physical and mental recuperation and memory consolidation

Disorders: Insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, night terrors, restless leg syndrome

By some estimates, the average person spends about one-third of their lives sleeping (or trying to sleep). Sleep is a resting state for the brain and body that occurs at regular intervals, and getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health.

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