4. Pick the first and second solutions the author has presented to get rid of exhaustion and overcome the problem of sleepiness. 5. Cite the paragraphs in which the author addressed the issues associated with diet. 6. State the last problem the author cited, and identify the form of ending utilized in the essay.
Zap the Zombie Syndrome by Jennifer Tufts
“Early to bed, early to rise; makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. According to the recent studies at the University of California’s Department of Psychiatry, this is not true for teenagers. The study suggests that most teens have some form of Delayed Sleep Syndrome, which means REM (Rapid Eye Movement) takes longer to set in. Since it is during a series of five to eight REMS or dream sleep, that the body is truly relaxed, students today feel most rested if they go to sleep late at night and don’t get up until late morning the next day. Unfortunately, nowhere in the foreseeable future are schools going to change the long-treasured 8:00 A. M. tardy time to around noon. For now, students are forced to seek other ways to overcome the mid-morning nap in government and the afternoon slump in pre- calculus.
A healthy diet can be the first way to fight energy lows. Students should start the day with a light breakfast that combines low-sugar cereals and low-fat milk or yogurts. Junior Beau Mitchell gets his pick-me-up in the morning with a steaming cup of coffee. “It wakes me up and gives me energy all day,” said Beau. Preferably, students should choose juice or milk over coffee in the morning because caffeine, found in coffee, is a serious drug that brings exhausting roller coaster energy highs and lows. It is also essential to combine carbohydrates and proteins for a light lunch, to ensure long-lasting, sleep-fighting energy. After school, the best things to munch on are fruits, pretzels, fresh vegetables, or granola instead of sugar-rich candies and sweets. Snacks that are healthy help provide a steady supply of energy for the rest of the day.
It is also important, to pump water into the system even when one is not thirsty. Dehydration is common in teens and can cause crankiness and fatigue. At least six cups of water a day, when combined with at least two of the above tips, is sure to produce rising energy levels.
Another way to fight fatigue is, simply, exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to the muscles and the brain., releases energizing hormones, and stimulates the nervous system to produce chemicals, called endorphins, that elevate mood and produce feelings of well-being. Senior Danny Holland recognizes the importance of daily exercise. He said, “I work out daily: it gives me energy.”
Any exercise is better than no exercise. Even just going for an evening walk at the neighborhood park increase energy levels and lowers tension., while eating a sugary snack increases the feeling of stress and only temporarily raises energy levels, followed by an increase in fatigue and reduced energy.
According to Dr. C. W. Smith at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, “Exercise should be part of everyone’s lifestyle.” … it will reliably and consistently decrease feelings of tiredness and despondency.”
If natural changes in diet and exercise habits aren’t enough to beat energy slumps, then natural supplements might be the answer. Junior James Camper uses ginseng to “get him out the door in the morning.” Sometimes, tiredness is simply a sign of too little sleep. If so, a good night’s rest is the cure, yet many know the cure and still fall victim to restless nights.
A healthy balance between a good diet and some form of aerobic exercise will get rid of those sleepless nights; but some students have discovered unique ways to get rid of insomnia, “I put stress-relieving cucumber gel on my eyes and face when I can’t sleep,” said Junior Shiloh Gentry. “I always wake up refreshed”
The old - saying should read, “A balanced day of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a restful sleep makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Motive Questions: After reading the essay, test your comprehension and retention by answering the following questions:
4. Pick the first and second solutions the author has presented to get rid of exhaustion and overcome the problem of sleepiness.
5. Cite the paragraphs in which the author addressed the issues associated with diet.
6. State the last problem the author cited, and identify the form of ending utilized in the essay.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
