Why Do I Need Sleep?

by Dr. Bodhi Wells

A little girl’s big adventure to discover sleep's secrets.

Grade 1 (Level E): Early readers10 pages

A child learns what happens in their brain and body during sleep and why rest is so important

Characters

Emma

Dream Guide

Chalk & Pastel

Story Arc

Emma loved to play. Her toys filled the whole room. She felt sleepy, but wanted to keep playing.

Her eyes felt heavy. Emma rubbed them with her fists. “No sleep!” Emma thought.

Soon, her head felt too heavy. Emma closed her eyes tight. She fell fast asleep in her bed.

When Emma opened her eyes, everything was new. A gentle woman smiled at her.

“This is your brain, Emma,” said Dream Guide. “It works hard while you rest.”

“It helps you get bigger. Your body grows strong too,” said Dream Guide.

“Your brain stores all your learning. It helps you remember things,” Dream Guide told Emma.

Emma smiled. “So, sleep is not just for resting. It helps me learn and grow!”

“Soon, it will be morning,” said Dream Guide. “Your brain will finish its important work.”

Emma woke up feeling bright and happy. She was ready to play AND learn.

Make one of your own next.

sleepy: Feeling like you want to go to sleep.; She felt sleepy, but wanted to keep playing.
heavy: Feels hard to lift or move, like you want to rest.; Her eyes felt heavy.
rubbed: To move your hands back and forth on something.; Emma rubbed them with her fists.
fists: Your hand closed with your fingers tucked inside.; Emma rubbed them with her fists.
gentle: Kind and soft.; A gentle woman smiled at her.
brain: The part of your body inside your head that helps you think and learn.; “This is your brain, Emma,” said Dream Guide.
rest: To stop working or playing so your body can relax.; “It works hard while you rest.”
grows: To get bigger and taller.; “It helps you get bigger. Your body grows strong too,” said Dream Guide.
stores: Keeps things in a place so you can find them later.; “Your brain stores all your learning.
learning: When you get new information or skills.; “Your brain stores all your learning.
remember: To keep things in your mind so you don't forget them.; It helps you remember things,” Dream Guide told Emma.
morning: The time of day when the sun comes up.; “Soon, it will be morning,” said Dream Guide.
bright: Feeling happy and full of energy.; She woke up feeling bright and happy.