Why do people need to sleep?

You've probably asked that question at least at one point in your life. Humans spend about a third of their lives in slumber — enough time to catch up on reading the books slowly gathering dust on your bookshelves, to binge-watch television series episodes you've missed or, if you work the graveyard shift, enough time to spend with your loved ones.

Some scientists are still baffled as to why humans need to sleep. They argue that from a survival standpoint, pre-historic humans became vulnerable to attacks by predators. Additionally, time for foraging for food or caring for young family members was reduced.

But whichever way you look at it, sleep is an integral bodily function. Miss a good night's sleep and you'll spend the next day feeling tired and unable to concentrate. You can even endanger yourself and other people if you are driving or operating machinery without ample shuteye. If you go on an extended period without sufficient sleep, you risk wreaking massive havoc on your mind and body.

Still unconvinced? Here are a few reasons why you or your partner needs to invest in an anti-snoring mouthpiece to get sufficient, quality sleep.

Prevent Weight Gain Swedish researchers have discovered that inadequate sleep can adversely affect metabolism. If you are trying to lose excess weight, then it is crucial to have ample shuteye — and even more so if you are undergoing a gruelling fitness regimen.

Better Concentration Thinking of pulling an all-nighter to review for an exam? Some studies indicate that it's better to get ample sleep before taking on tasks that require concentration. Otherwise, you'll spend the next day struggling to focus on your tasks at work, school or home.

Improved Mood Perhaps the reason why the Sesame Street character, Oscar the Grouch, is continuously grumpy is because he didn't catch enough sleep. Skimp on sleep and you'll feel irritable and you'll have a hard time with tasks that require creativity and problem-solving skills.

Find Solutions to Problems Ever heard some people say that they'll sleep on an issue before giving a final answer? There might be a good reason to do so as your brain continues to work while you sleep. If the answers to a knotty issue do not come to you the following morning, at least you'll be in a refreshed state, ready to re-tackle the problem head on.

Better Health Insufficient sleep can weaken your body's immune system. When this happens, you'll be vulnerable to diseases. Lack of quality sleep has also been associated with decreased lifespan. Studies suggest that people who sleep less than six hours per night during an extended period of time are more likely to die younger.