A new study was recently published in the journal Neuroscience, that shows a significant link between brain energy and sleep. The research was performed on rats, and revealed that during the initial stages of sleep there is a dramatic increase in cellular energy levels in brain regions that are active during waking hours. The findings suggest that this energy boost reinvigorates brain processes that are required for normal functioning while awake. [Source: HealthDay]

This study shows that sleep is not only a crucial part of our overall physical well-being, but it is also a significant contributor to full mental alertness and capacity. Though it has been surmised for some time that sleep helps replenish our mind, this research is one of the first of it’s kind that shows a direct link between REM sleep and energy currency of brain cells.