Deprivation of sleep has been linked to a variety of health issues from type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, to mental health issues such as depression (Porkka-Heiskanen, Zitting & Wigren, 2013). The busy lifestyles of Western culture in the 21st century have increasingly deprived individuals of sleep. This could potentially be a contributing reason that there has been an increase of obesity in cultures such as that of the United States. But what makes humans sleep? Why, as a species, do we need to sleep? Beyond that of feeling tired, science has yet to come to a unanimous decision as to the reasons behind the human race needing to sleep. T. Porkka-Heiskanen, K.M. Zitting, and H.K. Wigren reviewed various research studies and compiled a report of some of the various theories as to why humans need sleep and the potential effects of lack of sleep on the human body, both physically and psychologically. Sleep has been identified in all species studied thus far. It consists of a global (encompassing the entire body) state of immobilization, a specific posture, and a lowered ability to interact with the surrounding environment (Porkka-Heiskanen et al., 2013). Research has found that sleep is more of a continuous process containing different phases that are characterized by the measurement of electrical activity in the brain rather than a single state (Porkka-Heiskanen et al., 2013). Using electroencephalography (EEG) the different stages of sleep can be
Sleep is a beneficial necessity, both from a scientific and psychological standpoint, improving both mental and physical health. It plays an essential role in our growth and development as human beings. During sleep, our brains are growing and preparing for the day ahead so that we may be productive and attentive in every daily task. Without the recommended minimum of eight hours of sleep each night, people get agitated, distracted easily, gain health problems, make bad decisions, and acquire feelings of sadness and depression. Sleep deprivation is harmful and can cause a large amount of irreversible damage to ones brain, increasing the risk of diseases, strokes, and even diabetes. Throughout history, many authors have written about characters
The relevance of sleep to the human body cannot be over emphasised. From this study we can learn that sleep is important and with out it we could not properly function in our day to day lives. Sleep deprivation studies has taught as these important factors.
It has been scientifically proven that sleep is a crucial biological task that our body performs to maintain optimal functional capacity(Xu, Q. 2010). According to data collected by National sleep foundation short sleep deprivation is linked with many side effects, such as, increased risk of
As an individual sleeps, his body is able to repair itself, remove toxins, and consolidate memories. It is no surprise that the Dalai Lama has once stated that, “Sleep is the best meditation”. Even though the importance of sleep is highly proclaimed, sleep deprivation, especially in young adults, is significantly prevalent. Doctors recommend the sufficient amount time adolescents should spend sleeping every night is eight hours. However, due to a committed schedule, many young adults find themselves in a predicament that powers their improper sleep habits. The contradictory perspective on the value of sleep, assert that the time spent sleeping can be used to performing tasks that are more productive. But a multitude of studies continue to indicate
Of the many automatic functions that the human mind is hardwired to perform, from blinking, to breathing, sleep is by far one of the most imperative. A process that allows mind and body alike to rest, recuperate, and repair, sleep is something that is truly essential for our continued survival, to an extent, as more than a day or two without it can have adverse and potentially crippling side effects. Without sleep, our brain operates at a far less advanced level, struggling to process and internalise information, and making less intellectually sound decisions as a result, demonstrating why a reasonable amount of sleep per night is something that everyone must strive to achieve, so that one can stay on top of the day to day challenges that life so frequently poses. However, as universal as the idea of sleep may be, there is one aspect of the process that is often
Animal sleep is presented in various patterns like hibernation, nocturnal activity, and even napping! For example, penguins rarely sleep in case of abrupt attacks of predators. They sleep in standing positions for only a few minutes to provide security. In some occasions, penguins take naps in the ocean after a full meal. In contrast, brown bats spend generally nineteen hours just on sleeping hanging upside down. As these examples demonstrate, the state of sleeping in animals is confirmed based on scientific research. The evidence of animal sleep is obvious, mainly characterized by temporary unconsciousness, non-responsiveness to external stimuli, and passivity in movement. Although animal sleeping is corroborated by these common symptoms,
Sleep is a necessary process that most people undertake nightly to refresh and repair to engage fully in the day to come. The CDC cites insufficient sleep as an issue of public health looking at the wider impact that sleep deprivation has on the greater community (CDC, 2015). Vehicle and work related accidents, caused by reduced judgement, reaction times, and motor skills- are some examples of the impact of lack of sufficient sleep that can cause injury to others as well as self (CDC, 2015). Along with accident and injury, sleep deprivation can increase a person’s risk of experiencing chronic diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes (CDC, 2015).
Sleep is a necessity in which, its value has been undercut. People of all ages, from college students, to middle-aged adult, have experienced the effect of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is has poisoned the positive affects sleep has on ones life. In order to challenge the effects of sleep deprivation and study its effect on me, I conducted an experiment designed by James B. Mass. This experiment was created in 1991 to help students determine if they were truly sleep deprived. Out of the 15 questions posed on the sleep quiz, I answered true to two of them. The first true statement was “ I need an alarm clock in order to wake up at the appropriate time. The second true statement was “I often fall asleep after heavy meals or after a low dose of alcohol.” Based on the results of Mass’s sleep assessment, I am not sleep deprived. Although the results were positive, I feel at times I get small doses of drowsiness and small burst of stress displayed throughout the week.
Sleep is an important part of life; it is the time when the mind can relax and the body gets busy fighting infections and rejuvenating for the following day. As recommended by doctors and sleep professionals a person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep a day while children, adolescents and elderly are recommended to get more. Sleep health consist of the quality and duration a person gets each night. Sleep health for many people is not easily obtained; technology, anxiety, stress, work, family, and financial issues can interrupt it. Some suffer from Sleep disorders and some simply do not have time for sleep, nonetheless, these interruptions are causing people to suffer mentally and physically. According to Healthy people 2020, “Poor sleep health is
We spend about one-third of our life sleeping. As we get older, our bodies don’t need as much sleep, but it is still important that we get it. On average, young adults from the ages of 18-25 should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep a day. However, most of us don’t get that much. If we need less and less sleep as time goes on, then why is it important that we sleep at all? Although there are many scientists who have theories on why we need sleep, the three biggest theories on why are the Energy Conversion Theory, the Memory Consolidation Theory, and the Restore and Replenish Theory. All of these theories try to explain the importance of sleep, the biological function of sleep, and what can happen to the body if we aren’t getting the right amount.
Sleep is an extremely interesting phenomenon in which the mind almost completely departs from the usual realm of consciousness. It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness and a decreased ability to react to stimuli where we become less aware of our surroundings. However, it is more easily reversed than being in hibernation or a coma. It is a function that has been extensively researched by many. After all, we would not have evolved a mechanism that forces us to spend one-third of our lives sleeping unless sleep did us some good. What good does it do tough? Over the years, many theories have been proposed as to why we need sleep. The simplest is that it saves energy. An individual’s energy expenditure and demand is reduced during the day,
What is sleep? The dictionary definition of sleep is as follows, “a condition of body and mind such as that which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended,” (Definition). While this is undoubtedly true, there is so much more on the mystery of sleep. For many years people have wondered and debated on why humans sleep. There used to be many theories on why humans slept. With more advanced technology and stronger research many have been ruled out. In today’s society there are three commonly accepted, but debated, theories on why we sleep. One is the theory of sleep for restoration, which is essentially sleeping to rebuild everything we use during the day. The next theory is the conservation of energy theory. This theory is that humans sleep in order to save energy and have enough for the next day’s activities. The third is the brain function theory. This theory is based on the idea that humans sleep in order to use our brain to the fullest of its capabilities, and in a sense have stronger brain functions. With all these theories it is obvious to say that sleep in itself is a confusing subject. It is one of life’s greatest mysteries and more is likely to be revealed with more research on it.
Sleep is an essential part of any person’s health, however few people seem to realize that not receiving enough sleep can double the risk of becoming obese.“The ‘epidemic’ of obesity is paralleled by a ‘silent epidemic’ of reduced sleep duration with short sleep duration linked to the increased risk of obesity both in adults and in children”(Professor Cappuio). Someone who has developed a sleeping disorder such as, sleep apnea, may not have the motivation to diet or exercise, due to daytime sleepiness. Scientists at the University of Chicago conucted a study in 1999, which restricted eleven healthy young adults to four hours of sleep for six nights. The scientist discovered that restricting individuals to this amount of sleep impaired metabolism functions and disrupted hormone levels. It was also found that the subject’s abilities to process glucose in the blood had declined, in some cases to the level of diabities. ” Not only does obesity contribute to sleep problems such as sleep apnea, but sleep problems can also contribute to obesity.”(National Sleep Foundation)
Sleep health is essential for an individual’s health and well-being. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation is an unmet public health concern. It is estimated that fifty to seventy million Americans chronically suffer from some type of sleep disorder, which in turn, effects daily function and negatively affecting health and longevity (The National Academy of Sciences, 2006). Sleep is increasingly identified as important to public health, for it has been linked to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical or occupational errors. Not only can lack of sleep lead to hazardous outcomes but it can also lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, and obesity.
Sleep is a biological requirement. All animals sleep. It is the…Key to our health, productivity, safety and quality of life