Originally published on September 5, 2013<br /><br />Scientists believe they have found one of the reasons humans need to sleep - it boosts brain cells.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Myelin wraps around the nerves circuitry and this blanketing is thickened and strengthened during sleep.<br /><br />In studies with mice, during awake hours the myelin began to decay, leading creedance to the theory sleep is necessary to allow cell repair.<br /><br />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".<br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.<br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Stay connected with us here:<br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS
