Classroom Resources  
Student Article

Why We Sleep: How Rest Helps Our Body and Brain

By: Alice Gregory
Originally Published in  Science Focus

We spend about a third of our lives sleeping — but why do we need it? This article explores the science of sleep, dreams, and why rest is so important to our health.

The article "Why We Sleep: How Rest Helps Our Body and Brain" from BBC Science Focus explains why sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. It explores sleep stages, how much rest we need, what dreams might mean, and why sleep evolved.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
Subject:
A person shown sleeping on bed
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 500-600L
Preview
2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-900L
Preview
3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
Preview
Share: