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Sweet dreams ...




We all have a daily need for sleep. Without a rest period following activity, the mind and body would become too tired to operate properly. People who are deprived of sleep for a long time find it difficult to think clearly and become irritable.

When asleep you are unconscious - unaware of what is going on around you but it's different from fainting or injury as the unconsciousness of sleep can be quickly ended by a shake or loud noise.

Although the vital organs continue to work during sleep, most body functions slow down. Your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure all lower. Arms and legs become limp as the muscles rest and body temperature drops.

Even though unconscious whilst asleep many reflexes are still active. If tickled, a sleeping person will pull their hand or foot away although they are not aware of doing this as the parts of the brain that control movement are at rest also.

Sleep comes on more readily when a person is quiet and relaxed. Some find that certain routines just before bedtime help them fall asleep such as taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music. Going to bed at the same time each night is also helpful in establishing a sleep pattern.

Most newborn babies will sleep for around 16 hours per day. The average 2 year-old needs 12 hours of sleep at night with 1 to 2 hours nap during the day. Between the ages of 6 and 9 this reduces to about 11 hours. A 12 year-old will manage with 10 hours sleep each night while most adults need from 7 to 9 hours.


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