Essay on importance of sleep - 979 Words

Sleep is a physical and mental resting state in which a person becomes relatively inactive and unaware of the environment. In essence, sleep is a partial detachment from the world, where most external stimuli are blocked from the senses. Normal sleep is characterized by a general decrease in body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and most other bodily functions. In contrast, the human brain never decreases inactivity. Studies have shown that the brain is as active during sleep as it is when awake. Throughout an eight-hour sleep cycle, a normal adult alternates between two very different states, non-REM and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Sleep is characterized by two distinct states, non-REM sleep and REM sleep. Non-REM and†¦show more content†¦Sleep requirements vary from person to person-some people are naturally short or long sleepers. Thomas Edison, Martha Stewart, and Jay Leno have remarked that they sleep less than five hours a night. In contrast, Albert Einstein and Calvin Coolidge claimed they needed ten or more hours per night. Other well-known people such as Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill took naps throughout the day. Some experts suggest that the best way to determine personal sleep requirements is by waking up without an alarm clock. The amount of time spent sleeping would be the personal requirement. Other experts suggest that an ideal amount of sleep is the amount needed to feel refreshed and well rested in the morning and alert all day. Contrary to popular belief, the amount of sleep a person needs does not decrease with age. The reality is that sleep patterns and circadian rhythms change as one ages. Infants spend 50% of their sleep time in non-REM sleep and 50% in REM sleep; it has been shown that deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormones, necessary for growing children. Adults spend approximately 20% in REM sleep, while elderly people may spend only 15% in REM sleep. Older adults tend to spend most of their sleep time in Stage 1 of non-REM sleep. Consequently, they have less REM sleep and report frequent awakenings. A major reason why humans sleep is due to circadian rhythms, also known as the biological clock. A cycle that lasts 24 hours is calledShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Sleep782 Words   |  4 PagesN#1086;rm#1072;ll#1091; #1072;ft#1077;r #1072; day #1086;f work, w#1077; #1109;h#1086;uld sleep easily #1072;nd achieve #1072; deep rest thr#1086;ugh#1086;ut th#1077; night. However, m#1072;n#1091; people d#1086; n#1086;t experience this, #1110;n#1109;t#1077;#1072;d th#1077;#1091; h#1072;v#1077; difficulty falling asleep, th#1077;#1091; d#1086; n#1086;t g#1077;t #1077;n#1086;ugh sleep #1086;r th#1077;#1091; wake u#1088; #1109;#1077;v#1077;r#1072;l times #1072;t dawnRead MoreImportance of Sleep Essay788 Words   |  4 PagesImportance of Sleep It has been proposed, by some, that humans do not really need to sleep, and that we do so only out of habit. However, much research would suggest otherwise. It is true that some individuals (e.g. those suffering from insomnia) are able to live on very small amounts of sleep, but nevertheless, they do need some. Studies of sleep deprivation have found that there may be severe consequences of not sleeping at. Randy Gardner, for example, went withoutRead MoreThe Importance of Sleep, Nutri1281 Words   |  6 PagesThe importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise Many students today ask why they are so tired all the time. It also seems that people in college become more stressed out either because of grades or because of work. All people need to do is get the right amount of sleep, eating well, and exercise in order to feel better about themselves and feel good in general. This is not a short process. Most experts say that it takes about twelve weeks in order to see results. But, it is guaranteed thatRead MoreThe Importance of Sleep Essay1681 Words   |  7 PagesSleep 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 sleepingRead MoreImportance of Sleep Essay897 Words   |  4 PagesDuring the late 1800s and early 1900s, nine hours of sleep was the norm, but no more. Technology and long work hours often prevent sleeping nine to ten hours each night; however, eight hours would vastly improve psychological and physical health and well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation is less than five hours nightly. Getting the proper rest is important to stay alert during the day; Studies prove that eight or more hours of restful slumber every night enhances mood, brain function, and increasesRead MoreThe Importance Of Sleep In The House858 Words   |  4 Pagessummer, also it used for sleeping outdoor in the hottest months, the outdoor sitting area considered as a room without a roof its walls are ï â‚¬1.8m height, to cast a big shadow in the sitting area (Figs14). In additional; the inner courts (or back courtyard) served as a thermal regulator. A central staircase is connecting indoor lobby at the ground floor and semi-shaded lobby at first floor, working as ventilation tower, the two level lobbies are always ventilated by a vertical and cross stream ofRead MoreThe Importance Of Sleep Hygiene733 Words   |  3 PagesGood quality sleep can make a big difference in your quality of life. Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good  sleep hygiene, It involves  a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness. Why is it important to practice good sleep hygiene? Obtaining healthy sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It can also improve productivity and overall quality of life. Everyone, from childrenRead MoreThe Importance of Sleep and Stress Management646 Words   |  3 PagesThe Importance of Sleep and Stress Management On March 21, 2013, I attended a StaySharp: Managing Stress and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle sleep and stress management seminar at the Ted Rogers School of Management in order to gain a better understand the antecedents of stress and how these can be mitigated through stress management techniques in ways that contribute to improved sleep and relaxation habits. The seminars key objectives included helping attendees gain an improved understandingRead MoreThe Importance of Sleep Essay2311 Words   |  10 PagesSleep is a vital part of life. The many different functions of the body depend on sleep to reenergize and grow. Various types of sleep disorders and parasomnias can interfere with sleep, leaving one feeling sluggish and slow. Many people live with sleep disorders that are untreated or not diagnosed, while others suffer with these disorders, and are unable to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep disorders affect many people and they can be easily treated. Other types of sleep disorders can be grown outRead MoreThe Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep671 Words   |  3 PagesSpecific purpose: To inform on the importance of sleep. Thesis Statement: Sleeping is a positive attribute, which gives you a better chance to be productive and live a healthier lifestyle. Attention Getter: Weight gain, headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and attention deficit disorder are all caused by one factor, according to the National Sleep Foundation when our sleeping requirements are not met (National Sleep Foundation 2007). Some surveys conducted by the NSF (1999-2004)