Why do we sleep? | Russell Foster

Russell Foster is a circadian neuroscientist: He studies the sleep cycles of the brain. And he asks: What do we know about sleep? Not a lot, it turns out, for something we do with one-third of our lives. In this talk, Foster shares three popular theories about why we sleep, busts some myths about how much sleep we need at different ages -- and hints at some bold new uses of sleep as a predictor of mental health.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[RedFlamingoTV]

Sleep is the most important part of life. As someone who has been doing it properly for a few months now, i can guarantee to anyone that its the easiest and most efficient way to becoming happier and healthier, in all aspects of life.

[thomasm]

Everything a TED talk should be. Erudite, entertaining and eloquent.

[BeachJedi]

As a construction worker, waking up between 3-5am is completely normal. Addiction is a huge issue in this field of work. This talk is really making me wonder if lack of sleep is one of the most underlying issues.

P.S. I have to up for work in 5 hours lol

[zvolencan]

This is what I call a TED talk - informative, structured, entertaining.

[yungsnoop]

who watches Ted talks before they sleep ?

[duel]

It's always so impressive when a speaker does not continually have to refer to notes all the time. That means they know their stuff... thank you for this very informative video!

[Dtzeo]

That is why i take naps and go to sleep when i need to. Not getting enough sleep is a terrible feeling. It makes me not want to be productive i just lay in my bed the whole day.

[EQOAnostalgia]

Iv'e said for years that sleep is incredibly important and that A LOT of our problems stem from how busy our lives have become. We also work too much, many work WAY too much. We did not evolve to be this way! We did not evolve to spend our days toiling in mediocrity.

People wonder why some folks snap... place them in a cubicle they hate for 8-12 hours a day and watch how fast a percentage of them fall apart! Some areas in the world the work week and hours per day have been shortened.

I TRULY believe that going forward as a species, we need to reduce our work hours and improve our sleep. Essentially we should focus on doing more quality work, more resourcefully, while trimming the fat! Perhaps less of the monotonous work and more fulfilling to create less stress and depression within our bodies. (Think Star Trek for example, work isn't for monetary gain but for social status, most basic needs are free)

Perhaps as our tech advances we will be able to achieve this. But it could also swing radically in the opposite direction if we continue to deplete our Earths resources and throw off the balance of the ecosystem. Only time will tell.

[Aluminata]

I think of wakefulness as a necessary evil. Sleep is the natural state. Ask any cat.

[systemthinker]

That was one of the best TED Talks I've heard. It seems like so many presenters are talking but nothing is being said. This guy was on point every single sentence and it resonated immensely!

[AirFouly]

one of the very few ted talks that has "wowed" me throughout the whole time. I mean the majority of ted talks is great, but talks like this one I consider the icing on the cake. Great job Mr Foster!

[AyaOnni]

"TEENAGERS ARE NOT LAZY"
like honey for my ears... I knew it😏

[davmar]

As an inventor I have been aware of the connection between sleep and problem solving for many years. I consume the essential elements of a problem when awake and then "sleep on it". By consciously engaging in this process I have been able to consistently arrive at answers to problems that escaped intense deliberate cogitation. I was also fortunate enough to retire at age 55. I haven't used an alarm clock for years and get up in the morning when I damn well feel like it.

[vtheb]

This is perhaps the best talk I've ever seen on the internet. Finding this gem makes social media worth it.

[cutifat]

Wow! One of the most informative talks on TED! So much to learn, and I'm glad I almost always sleep very well, albeit pretty long. Much obliged, Professor Forster.

[rileyhoffman]

Fascinating. As a depression-sufferer from a family of mentally ill, the information you offer is eye-opening. Thank you.

[ryansmith]

Watching this while drinking caffeine in a well lit room at 2:30 AM

[andrewheffel]

Great presentation, really good advice. Sleep is more than rest for the body and brain. The brain works all night, figuring out things from the day before. When faced with a big decision, often the best thing to do is "sleep on it, " and the answer will come in the morning. I have heard of scientists working on complicated problems for months, and the answer comes to them in a dream.

[PartridgeAves]

Lots of information packed in a single 20 min video. That's what we need

[yungmemeboi]

Ironically, I'm currently watching this video when I should be sleeping haha