The Importance of Sleep Essay - 1681 Words

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,†¦show more content†¦A sleep deprived driver, believe it or not, is as dangerous as a drunk driver. Sleep also strengthens learning and memory, including both motor skills and language related tasks. When you learn something, your mem ory improves if you go to sleep within the next 3 hours, and it deteriorates after a sleepless night. A good night’s sleep can also improve learning the next day. When people learn a new difficult motor task, such as a video game skill, the brain areas that are active during the learning become reactivated during one’s sleep that night. The brain replays the same patterns they had during the day, only faster. The amount of functioning and activity in those areas during sleep predicts the amount of improvement the next day. In learning, wakefulness and sleep play complementary roles. Researchers have demonstrated that learning strengthens the appropriate synapses during wakefulness and weakens other synapses during sleep. Therefore, REM sleep is crucial for organizing pieces and the associations between them needed for forming lasting memories. Organizing these pieces within your brain requires information gained through learning. Learning is a complicated process that is completed subconsciously by gaining new knowledge and skills and modifying previous ones. Three basic parts of learning include acquisition, consolidation, and recall. During acquisition, the brain receives information and stores it within its neural circuits as memory. ThisShow 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 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. 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 itRead 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 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)