We spend about a third of our lives asleep—but have you ever wondered why? Or why a quick nap sometimes makes you feel more tired than before?

In this eye-opening episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex breaks down the mysterious science of sleep, answering two questions we all think about:

Get ready for a fun, easy-to-understand journey through the stages of sleep, your brain’s secret overnight cleaning service, and the truth about what really happens while you snooze. We’ll cover:

What your brain and body actually do while you sleep (hint: a lot!)

How your sleep cycles work (light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep)

Why napping too long can leave you feeling worse

The importance of circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and sleep timing

How sleep helps with memory, emotions, immunity, and recovery

The real reason you feel like a zombie after a 60-minute nap

Why even animals like dolphins and giraffes have weird sleep habits

What happens to your body without sleep—and why it's not worth the all-nighter

Whether you’re a night owl, a power napper, or someone who insists they “don’t need sleep,” this episode will change the way you think about bedtime.

😴 Perfect for anyone curious about sleep science, naps, rest cycles, memory, health, or just getting better Zzz’s.

📅 New episodes drop every Monday and Wednesday—follow now to never miss a moment of mind-blowing simplicity.