Book 2, Question 79
Why Do We Need Sleep to Grow?
Sleeping is not just resting. It is a busy time for your body. While you sleep, your body makes growth signals, and repairs itself.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- Growth hormone is normally released while you sleep.
- Missing one night of sleep will not stunt your growth.
- But if someone gets too little sleep night after night, their growth hormone can be held back.
- Kids ages 5 to 12 need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night.
- Everything that is alive needs sleep to survive.
- Animals sleep for the same reason you do, to give the body a tiny vacation.
Sources: KidsHealth (Nemours), KidsHealth (Nemours)
Questions kids ask
Will one late night stop me from growing?
No. A single night without sleep will not stunt growth. It is long-term lack of sleep that matters.