Sleep is a reoccurring act that is part of our daily lives. It is one of the most important elements of human health. The natural state of sleep has been studied throughout the years of human evolution. It occurs when hormones are released throughout the body to make the individual begin to fall asleep. The importance of sleep is often overlooked amongst humans, leading to a disorder. There are problems that occur in the human body that are of higher importance and require more attention. Sleep disorders should be viewed as a priority to humans because it alters human health, presents as a precipitating factor for other health problems, and can be treated quickly. It is not hard to experience the effects of sleep deprivation. Whether it is …show more content…
The vulnerability of the body to diseases increases as sleep deprivation continues. The immune system is greatly affected and defenses are weakened, leaving the body exposed to the changing environment. Not all changes happen externally, internal changes are fluctuating as well. For instance, sleep fragmentation with feelings of choking and daytime sleepiness are mechanisms for anxiety shown in sleep apnea (Fong329). Continuous interruption of sleep can make a person believe that they won’t get any better. This lays out a blueprint for unwanted thoughts and actions. When a sleep disorder is present, the individual should expect further complications and visits to the doctor. Seeing a person who is sleep deprived can further conclude the danger of it. An individual who simply hasn’t sleep in days will not be aware of the environment as much, which will lead to stumbling, running into things, and other tangible dangers. This also makes work related tasks much more difficult. Depending on the importance and alert level needed, having enough sleep is imperative. Indeed, weight gain is noticeable in people who have sleep disorders. Increased BMI relates to severe sleep obstruction, making a solid link between obesity and sleep deprivation (Bocicor 223). A hormone called leptin tells the body to stop eating, being sleep deprived will make less leptin. This causes the body to want to eat, …show more content…
It is imperative that a sleep disorder is treated because an early treatment can prevent a drastic problem in the future. There are several options or paths to take when dealing with a sleeping disorder. However, options depend on the severity of the sleep disorder. These options include changing sleeping patterns, use of machines, and medication. Initially, home remedy treatments are enough to achieve a better night’s sleep. A simple position change while sleeping can be enough to stop snoring. An addition of a second pillow or changing the room temperature to a suitable level may be the missing piece to stay asleep throughout the night. Withhold eating food two hours before bed helps prevent a digestive system upset that may occur in the middle or beginning of sleep. Individuals do not have to deal with a sleep disorder alone, family members or bed partners identify the signs as well (Living with Sleep Apnea 1). Having the emotional support from loved ones can make the process of dealing with a disorder easier. Treatment for a severe sleep disorder can much more extensive and expensive. For individuals with sleep apnea, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is available with a prescription. This machine is put on the face as a mask and thus raises the pressure of air in the throat, providing an opening for the airway and fortunately a better sleep.
Snoring is a common disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Even though normal snoring is not dangerous to human health, having repeated breathing stops during the snoring process can be life threatening to the snorer. According to the American Heart Association (2012) study, having repeated breathing stops during the snoring process is dangerous and can result in the development of cardiovascular problems and even death. This condition is known as sleep apnea. In this respect, an individual with sleep apnea experiences repeated breathing stops for as many as thirty times an hour when asleep. Such episodes are dangerous for the snorer since it increases the risk of developing heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and arrhythmias. Research shows that one in every five people suffers from sleep apnea. America, in particular, has one of the highest incidences of people with this disease. According to Lettieri (2010), about 15 million adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea in America. The majority of people with sleep apnea are patients with cardiovascular problems and hypertension. As earlier mentioned, this condition is life threatening and require early treatment. This document will examine the historical evidence of the disease, its causes, and its clinical effects on the cardiovascular system, complications, and prognosis. The discourse will also explore the treatments and research associated with the disease.
Chronic sleep loss is becoming more common in modern culture and less restricted to sleep-deprived diseases such as insomnia. Suggested to be the result of a number car, industrial, medical, and other occupational accidents, sleep deprivation is beginning to be recognized as a public concern. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control
Hirshkowitz, M., & Smith, P. B. (2004). Sleep disorders for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where breathing stops several times, and starts again often waking the person with the condition. The person is not usually aware when they wake up; it is only brief but takes away from their sleep cycle which causes them to feel tired during their day. Headaches are common from insufficient of oxygen to the brain, and also a lack of attention span plagues the victim. Snoring is a big part of sleep apnea, and it is one of the most common signs that one might have this condition. While sleeping on their side may help with the snoring it is not cure. Weight loss is also hindered by this condition as the body cannot properly digest while sleep is disrupted, and this only ...
If physiologists devoted the most research time to behaviors humans engaged in the most, we would probably have a full understanding of the biological purpose of sleep. After all, humans, with the exception of most college students, spend one third of their lives in a somnolent state. Despite its fundamental role in human and animal life, sleep is, even in an age when neuroscience has reduced many behaviors to neurological mechanisms, still quite mysterious. What processes are taking place during sleep that benefit the organism? Why spend so much time in an unresponsive and vulnerable state? That these questions haven't been definitively answered is really not a function of a lack of effort on the part of scientists, but rather of the difficulties inherent in studying sleep. It is easy to observe the harm that is done to a human or animal deprived of sleep. A rat prevented from sleeping will lose the ability to maintain body temperature and die in about three weeks, showing no evidence of physiological damage (1). In humans, sleep deprivation impairs thinking and suppresses the immune system. But why this deterioration take place is less clear, and the object of disagreeing theories. This essay will try to explain the function of sleep based on what is now known, and attempt to shed light on the reasons and mechanisms for its evolution.
Sleep is one of our basic needs to survive and to function in day to day operations, but not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Some people can survive on very little sleep, i.e. five hours a night, and some people need a lot of sleep, to the extend that they are sleeping up to 10 to sometimes 15 hours a night (Nature, 2005). According to Wilson (2005) the general rule states that most people need from seven to eight hours of sleep. The deprivation of sleep in our society in continually increasing with the demands in society increasing work loads, the myth that a few hours of sleep is only necessary to function properly and that sleep is sometimes considered as killing time (Nature, 2005). Sometimes sleep deprivation is also caused by other situations like sleep disorders, i.e. sleep apnea, chronic insomnia or medical conditions such as stress (Wilson, 2005).
Sleep deprivation is often associated with the development of medical conditions, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). As disturbance in sleep could cause deprivation and shorten one’s sleep duration, it is often taken into account when carrying out related studies. Short-term sleep deprivation not only raises blood pressure and produces stress hormones, but also leads to irregular heartbeats [1]. These major risk factors are precursors to coronary disease. In this essay, I will summarize the findings of five studies in relation to sleep deprivation and the increased risk of CVD.
Sleep is an essential life process that has been accredited as a crucial role on our wholesomeness and well-being as individuals for thousands of years. Our knowledge on sleep has increased tremendously over the past century thanks to advances in technology and remarkable research that has been done. A lot more information of how sleep occurs and the effects it has enough has on the body, the brain and our everyday lives is now understood. With this information another interesting topic has gained recognition, which is sleep disorders. One specific sleep disorder is insomnia.
Sleep affects the body and mind, but so does one’s anxiety level. Inadequate sleep can lead to the onset of anxiety disorders. On the other hand, anxiety can prevent a good night’s rest, which can lead to sleep-related problems, difficulties, and disorders. It is important that everyone worldwide is knowledgeable of techniques that can help prevent any types of disorders. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, everyone everywhere will be aware of the significance of sleep and relaxation so that the chance of developing a disorder will decrease. Researchers will thrive on to inform the newer generations of their findings and improve
Sleeping is something that is an essential part of human nature and is a must in order for one to be a functional human being. Sleep is an idea that is accompanied by many wives’ tales, including the idea that one needs seven to eight hours of sleep each night and alcohol helps one fall asleep and sleep more soundly. One myth about sleep is that during sleep, one is in a state of nothingness. In truth, however, it has been discovered that during sleep the brain is active, variations in heartbeat and breathing occur, and the eyes and ears are active throughout the time of sleep. These activities during a person’s sleep are important because they help that person be more aware, awake, and alert during sleep.
Kales, A. (1972). The evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders : Pharmacological and psychological studies. In M. Chase (ed.)The Sleeping Brain. Los Angeles : Brain Information Service.
At first, people's eyes begin to feel dry and they have trouble concentrating, causing their eyesight to weaken. Their reaction time slows down as well as their thinking process and judgment. These effects are minor but as one’s body weakens, their immune system is affected as well. This may cause their body to catch an illness or disease. Afterwards, their body becomes very weak and it will take a while before it can heal properly. In addition, their heart gets tired and cannot perform its job properly, so prolonged sleep deprivation also leads to risk of heart diseases. Not only does sleep loss make people feel tired, but it is also harmful to their body by increasing the risk of health problems (“Sleep Deprivation: What Are the Physical Effects” , Griffin R. Morgan, Mann Jeff, Peri Camille, Pietrengeelo
Sleep and Sleep Disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 July 2013. Web. 7 May 2014. .
Sleep is a very important factor in the human function. Our body and brain is able to reset itself and rejuvenate while we sleep. When we do not get the required amount of sleep, we start to feel lethargic and foggy minded, because our mind and body wasn’t able to replenish itself. Sleep is imperative that an insignificant rest deficiency or lack of sleep can affect our ability to remember things; decisions and can affect our temperament. Chronic sleep deficiency can get the body to feel agitated and it could lead to serious health problems such as, heart problems, stress, acne, and obesity.
Sleep is very important for human beings. Sleeping means taking rest for every person and each person spends one-third of his lifetime sleeping. Without sleeping, no one can exist in this world. Sleeping is essential for a person’s health and well-being throughout his life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times helps all people protect their mental health, physical health and safety. A person who does not get enough sleep might suffer from mental disorders, diseases and even harmful situations. Therefore, it is important for every human being to have enough sleep.