Originally published on September 5, 2013

Scientists believe they have found one of the reasons humans need to sleep - it boosts brain cells.

Scientists have long been mystified by the physiological reasons humans need to sleep. Studies in mice have shown that during the REM - Rapid Eye Movement - phase of sleep, myelin production increases.

Myelin is an important protective cell around nerves in the brain. Decay of myelin is a leading factor in the onset and escalation of multiple sclerosis.

Myelin wraps around the nerves circuitry and this blanketing is thickened and strengthened during sleep.

In studies with mice, during awake hours the myelin began to decay, leading creedance to the theory sleep is necessary to allow cell repair.

Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep".
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