Importance of Sleep Essay - 788 Words

Importance 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 without sleep for 11 nights. By the end of this period, he suffered severe hallucinations and paranoia. He found interacting with other people difficult and even lost some of his sense of personal identity. There were, however, no long†¦show more content†¦Stern and Morgane put forward an alternative restoration theory, proposing that during sleep, the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain are restored. Again, this theory would seem plausible, in part because people who take antidepressants (these drugs help restore neurotransmitter levels) appear to need less REM sleep than normal. Evolutionary theories would perhaps seem less likely than restoration ones in terms of explaining the apparent need for sleep. According to hibernation theory (Webb, 1982), sleep has evolved to enable energy to be saved at times when being awake and active would be of little use to animals (e.g. because it is too dark for them to do anything). However, this does not seem to be applicable to humans - in order to meet the current demands of society (such as work and social activity), being awake all of the time would be of extreme value, especially as electric lights and so on mean that 24 hour activity would be possible. It is difficult to see, then, how sleep could be advantageous as Webb suggested. Neither can Meddis (1975) theory be easily applied to humans. He suggested that sleep evolved so that animals can remain inactive and, consequently, hidden at times when they are more likely to be predated. As humans are the species highest in the food chain, it is unlikely that this b estShow 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 MoreEssay on importance of sleep979 Words   |  4 PagesSleep is a physical and mental resting state in which a person becomes relatively inactive and unaware of the environment. 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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. 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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)