Why Do We Sleep? (VIDEO)

WATCH: Why Do We Sleep?

Circadian neuroscientist Russell Foster studies the science of sleep. But, he says, we still don't know everything when it comes to slumber, despite the fact that we spend 36 percent of our lives asleep.

Neuroscientists are just beginning to understand why sleep is actually crucial for health, memory, growth and development and more, Foster said in a June TED Talk.

We didn't always belittle sleep as a waste of time, and we shouldn't now, he says. Check out the clip above to see if he can change your views about the importance of sleep.

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