MadSci Network: General Biology |
Andrew: Like so many questions that seem simple on their surface, your question is really very complex. Scientists only have theories about our need for sleep. We say that it is restorative, in that the body needs to rest in order to get rid of metabolic wastes (lactic acid, etc) and to allow for the brain to rest and plan the future. The science of sleep is in its infancy and the stages of sleep have only been cataloged for a relatively short time. We know that it is needed and that merely resting is not the same as sleeping. We know that too little sleep causes certain physiological changes such as irritability and then disorientation and then hallucinations. Just why this is, is not clear. A really good web site that may help you with the subject is at UCLA's sleep center. It is http://bisleep.medsch.ucla.edu/sleepsyllabus/intro.html It also cites several journal articles that may be of help. J. Bridger
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on General Biology.