You do not want me to be permanent. But to avoid me is a mistake. You can let me help you. But precious time it will take.

The riddle cleverly points to sleep by highlighting its dual nature. While no one desires permanent sleep, avoiding it altogether leads to detrimental effects on our health and cognitive function. Sleep, though seemingly a passive state, actively helps us by restoring our bodies and minds. It’s a necessary process that allows our brains to consolidate memories, repair tissues, and regulate hormones.

Despite its undeniable benefits, sleep does demand a significant portion of our lives, which the riddle acknowledges as "precious time it will take." For adults, this usually amounts to seven to nine hours per night. Over an average lifespan, this means we spend roughly one-third of our lives asleep. This extensive commitment underscores its fundamental role in maintaining our overall well-being.

During sleep, our bodies undertake vital restorative work that simply cannot happen when we are awake. From strengthening our immune system to processing emotions, sleep is far from a waste of time; it is a crucial investment in our physical and mental health. Depriving ourselves of adequate sleep can lead to impaired judgment, reduced productivity, and a higher risk of chronic diseases, proving that avoiding this essential biological process is indeed a mistake.