Premium Essay

Sleeping

In:

Submitted By lawyer1212
Words 810
Pages 4
1-3 Short Paper: If Only I Could Sleep Thomas M. O’Rourke Southern New Hampshire University

Sleep is essential as it allows you to function physically and psychologically. When you do not get enough sleep on a continual basis many things can affect you. Sleep deprivation can lead to higher risk of chronic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. According to Harvard Medical School, for people with hypertension, one night without enough sleep can cause elevated blood pressure all through the next day. There are many causes of sleep deprivation. The stresses of daily life may intrude upon your ability to sleep well, or perhaps we will trade sleep for more work or play (Lim, 2008). We may have medical or mental conditions that disrupt our sleep, and be aware that we are sleep deprived to name a few. Sleep deprivation induces significant reductions in performance and alertness. Reducing your nighttime sleep by as little as one and a half hours just for one night could result in a reduction of daytime alertness as much as 32% according to research (Lim, 2008). It is critically important to realize that sleep deprivation is very often due to unrecognized sleep disorders. Studies show an increased mortality risk for those reporting less than either six or seven hours per night (Abdul, 2012). One study found that reduced sleep time is a greater mortality risk than smoking, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Sleep disturbance is also one of the leading predictors of institutionalization in the elderly, and severe insomnia triples the mortality risk in elderly men. As an older man, I have experienced this and understand how important it is to get at

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Critical Analysis: the Sleeping Lady

...The small figurine of The Sleeping Lady is one of the major highlights that one can find at the National Museum of Archaeology at Valletta. It is one of the unique prehistoric artworks that were found in a pit at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, dating back to approximately 3600-2500 B.C.E. This figurine represents a corpulent woman lying on her right side on top of a couch. The apparent size of the female that of being a corpulent woman, may be a representation of the godess of fertility. If we link this artwork with the time it was made, we can actually find that fertility was a very important issue for the people in general as it not only represents the re-generation of people but also their standard of living. Re-generation of people was a vital asset for them, as to have ancestors which will continue to flourish their culture. Being corpulent could also be considered as a symbol of prosperity, that there was food and that therefore people were strong. Additionally we can connect fertility with agriculture, which means that there’s a good crop season. It was also believed that being a corpulent woman was easier to give birth. Sleep can symbolise the eternal sleep, in other words- death. This is in fact very relevant as the figurine was found in a place which was used as a burial place. Moreover if we look closely to The Sleeping Lady we can see that her facial expression evokes serenity. It could also be a representation of a period of time when there was lack of fertility...

Words: 404 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Sleeping and Gpa

...Can Sleeping Affect Your GPAs? Our statistics project is about how the amount of sleeping hours can affect your GPA. Researchers have shown that lack of sleeping will affect the ability to study of the students. We are told that sleeping is very important as it restores your energy after a whole day working. Having lack of sleep can weaken the ability to concentrate, stay alert, think critically and solve problems of the student and thus, can affect their academic performance. Is it true and does it differs between different major students? In this project we would like to compare students who are majoring in Arts and Business and how lack of sleep or having more hours of sleeping affects their overall GPAs. Our null hypothesis is that there is no significant difference in the relationship of the hours of sleep and the students' GPAs. We are expecting on our alternative hypothesis that there is a significant difference in that relationship. In order to conduct our research, we will select randomly 2 samples of 15 Art students and 15 Business major students. We agreed that less than 4 hours of sleep is not enough to perform well in school and having more than 4 hours of sleep is beneficial for the students to do well academically. Why should our project be considered? We think this is important for students to know whether sleeping can have a significant impact on their academic performance or not. Being acknowledged about the importance of sleep can help the students...

Words: 363 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Co-Sleeping

...Research suggests that co-sleeping benefits infants because it decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, increases the amount of time breastfeeding, and helps stabilize the child’s physiology. Annotated Bibliography: Source #1 Goldberg, W. A., & Keller, M. A. (2007). Co-sleeping during infancy and early childhood: key findings and future directions. Infant & Child Development, 16(4), 457-469. doi:10.1002/icd.522 This article describes the benefits of co-sleeping by pointing out that night waking’s declined in frequency and duration. It also points out that most children who co-sleep do not need a security object to go to sleep. Another point this article discusses is the benefits co-sleeping have on breastfeeding ease. The article also defines the many terms used when discussing co-sleeping and bed sharing. Wendy A. Goldberg is a professor of psychology and social behavior at the University of Michigan. This article will be helpful in my research because it discusses how co-sleeping benefits and increases the length of breastfeeding. Source #2 McKenna, J. J., & Volpe, L. E. (2007). Sleeping with baby: an internet-based sampling of parental experiences, choices, perceptions, and interpretations in a western industrialized context. Infant & Child Development, 16(4), 359-385. doi:10.1002/icd.525 This article describes how co-sleeping affects the maturation of the central nervous system. It states that co-sleeping creates more robust rhythms...

Words: 1402 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Sleeping and Dreaming

...Sleeping and Dreaming Rebecca Limon PSY 240 January 14, 2014 April Kindall Sleeping and Dreaming There are four stages of sleep. These stages are known as EEG: stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4. When transitioning from alert wakefulness to stage 1, there are alpha waves that punctuate the low voltage, high frequency waves of alert wakefulness. The EEG voltage will increase gradually, while the EEG frequency will decrease gradually, as the individual progresses to stages 2, 3, and 4. According to Ch. 14 of Biopsychology, the stage 2 sleep EEG has a slightly higher amplitude and a lower frequency than the stage 1 EEG; in addition, it is punctuated by two characteristic wave forms: K complexes and sleep spindles. Each K complex is a single large negative wave (upward deflection) followed immediately by a single large positive wave (downward deflection)—see Cash and colleagues (2009). Each sleep spindle is a 1- to 2-second waxing and waning burst of 12- to 14-Hz waves. The stage 3 sleep EEG is defined by the occasional presence of delta waves—the largest and slowest EEG waves, with a frequency of 1 to 2 Hz—whereas the stage 4 sleep EEG is defined by a predominance of delta waves. Once sleepers reach stage 4 EEG sleep, they stay there for a time, and then they retreat back through the stages of sleep to stage 1. There are five common beliefs about dreaming. These beliefs include the following, the first belief is that there are some people who believe that dreams...

Words: 401 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Co-Sleeping

...experts to recognize the value which co sleeping may offer. 1. Introduction A. Numerous studies presented by experts of excellent reputation suggest that not only is sleeping with your baby safe, but it is actually much safer than having your baby sleep in a crib. Research shows that infants who sleep in a crib are twice as likely to suffer a sleep related fatality including SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) than infants who sleep in bed with their parents. (Gruber,Sobralske, pg.54) B. Almost everyone can relate to co-sleeping, whether you are a parent now or will become one the immediate future. 1. Sleeping with your newborn is beneficial for both parents and their baby. 2. We all could have at one time or another slept beside our parents as infants and have no recollection. C. I have shared the family bed with all three of my daughters’ believing that it was the best choice in my situation. 1. I know from experience how beneficial sleeping beside your newborn can be. D. Despite numerous negative views some people have on this controversial topic, co-sleeping can have many positive attributes that are often ignored. 1. A few examples would be; breast feeding is more convenient resulting in getting more sleep, mother and baby have a better bonding experience, and it could help reduce the risk S.I.D.S. Transition: To begin, let us get into more detail why these reasons for co-sleeping can be favorable. 1. Body A. Breast feeding is less...

Words: 1021 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Art of Sleeping

...Art of sleeping The success of Art of sleeping is yet to reach its peak but has significantly increased in the past year with the success of their new EP ‘Like A Thief’. Art Of Sleeping were recently signed with Dew Process and exploded into high rotation on Triple J with ‘Empty Hands’, their immensely personal and cinematic single. This emotive brand of indie-rock has been the trend du jour of 2012 and probably has been since the rise of Boy & Bear, Matt Corby and The Medics; so Art Of Sleeping hit at exactly the right time. The bands new EP reached Top 100 ARIA Chart debut and an invitation to partake in an Official ARIA Showcase next month. This is the first release to chart for Brisbane group. Prior to the release of Like A Thief, the band had released several singles that picked up significant radio play on Triple J. And also recently completed a national tour called Above the water prior to the EP’s release which included special guest tigertown. They also went on tour with Paper Kites as a supporting act, performed at Big Sound 2012 and Fat As Butter 2012. National touring came with these hits, more exposure, more support. Still, success took the band completely by surprise. Since they were notified that ‘Empty Hands’ was added to triple j, the band haven’t really stopped. The Band will also be going on its Like a thief tour down the east coast of Australia starting in there home town of Brisbane at The Zoo. Sydney will be the next in line, where Art of Sleeping...

Words: 530 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sleeping Habits

...Sleeping habits of marine engineers - Part of the greater study: The medical questionnaire Master of Science Thesis Thomas Forsman Department of Shipping and Marine Technology CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Gothenburg, Sweden 2010 Report No. NM-10/2 Sleeping habits of marine engineers Thomas Forsman Department of Shipping and Marine Technology CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Gothenburg, Sweden 2010 Sleeping habits of marine engineers Thomas Forsman Nordic Master in Maritime Management Chalmers University of Technology Summary There are done several studies and researches of marine personnel fatigue especially of deck officers. There is a demand and great interest to survey the sleeping habits of Swedish marine engineers. The aim of this Master Thesis is to find out if marine engineers get enough sleep. The purpose is also to find differences in sleeping patterns between technical chiefs and engineers. This Master Thesis is a part of a greater study, where the marine engineers answered a medical questionnaire and filled a diary. Test persons wore also a special watch that recorded their sleep and wake results. This Master Thesis and its results are based on the answers given in the medical questionnaire. Questionnaire was filled in on Swedish vessels operating in different maritime sectors. The results indicated that there were differences between engine personnel’s sleeping habits and especially in how they felt the fatigue. The results...

Words: 17035 - Pages: 69

Premium Essay

Sleeping Habits

...want your body to function at its highest performance throughout the day. Over half the population in America has admitted to not getting enough sleep. Bad sleep habits can really have a negative affect on teens. There are some tips that a teen can follow to help change those habits to get a better night sleep. Hopefully after reading this paper you will be more informed on how to get a good night sleep. One of the most common tendencies that teens have is staying up to late. The natural time that our bodies have evolved to get the best sleep is between 10:30 and 6. With many teens not going to bed until after midnight or even later you can see where this may affect a teens sleeping schedule. Teens have been proven to be naturally sleepier than younger children or adults and, with the recommended sleeping hours for teens to be between 9 and 10 hours, few are getting anywhere near this amount. Taking long naps is also something that causes many teens to be sleep deprived. Having a non irregular sleep schedule is like trying start your car without putting fuel in it. Taking naps is something that our bodies feel they need but, when your body sleeps when it’s not used too, it won’t be able to get the sleep it needs during the hours of the night your body needs to sleep in order to be able to function at its peak. What we do at night affects everything we do during the day—our ability to learn, our skills, our memory, stamina, health and safety. Most of all, it affects our mood throughout...

Words: 1419 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethnocentrism Sleeping

...Anthony Burgess wrote “Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.” Sleeping is a most important because it take one third of your life. Today we discuss Ethnocentrism versus Cultural Relativism in sleeping habits across cultures. Firstly, what are Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. In one hand, Ethnocentrism is the belief that the ways of one’s own culture are the only proper ones. Besides, ethnocentrism people are conservative, and this bias make they have got a prejudice the other cultures. And this judgement helps them to keep stabilizing some values of their culture. Furthermore, ethnocentrism people easily became patriotism. In the other hand, Cultural Relativism is the idea that one must suspend judgment of other...

Words: 320 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Sleeping Hobby

...AD OLE SCE N T Research Report S L E E P N E E DS and Resource Guide AND PATTERNS P U B L I S H ED B Y T H E N AT I O N AL S L E E P F O U N D AT I O N AD OLE SCE N T Research Report S L E E P N E E DS and Resource Guide AND PATTERNS P U B L I S HE D B Y T H E N AT IO N A L S L E E P F O U N D AT I O N w w w. s l e e p f o u n d a t i o n . o r g Table of Contents Preface .............................................................................................................................................................i PART ONE: Research Report ........................................................................................................................1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................1 Physiological Patterns ........................................................................................................................2 Behavioral and Psychosocial Patterns................................................................................................2 Consequences of Poor Sleep in Adolescents .........................................................................................3 What Can Be Done ..................................................................................................................................4 Reference s................................................................

Words: 10194 - Pages: 41

Premium Essay

Co Sleeping

...sons. I began co-sleeping with each of them at birth. It made life much easier during the infant phase of their lives. But that phase has been long gone. I believe that I was able to bond even more with my children through co sleeping. But now I find myself too often tired and unable to concentrate on tasks. While parents who co sleep feel closer to their children, co sleeping is a common issue for parents. Co sleeping has become one of the most common hot topics amongst parents. Ninety percent of the world’s population practice co sleeping (Netherwood, 2006). ‘‘Some parents will tell you that co sleeping can be a cozy, manageable comfort for a family’’ (Redbook, Oct2010). Whether it is a newborn or toddler, more parents are sharing beds with their children. ‘‘Research shows that eighty percent of babies share their parents’ bed at some time in the first 6 months of life’’ (Australian Parents, Dec2006/Jan2007). Co sleeping with school aged children is more common also. It is estimated that about fifteen percent of families have children ages 5 and up that share their bed for part or all of the night (Redbook, Oct2010). One of the most important reasons co sleeping is a common issue for parents are safety concerns. As I mentioned earlier, I have had a few busted lips and bruised body parts. But more importantly, the connection between co sleeping and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) continue to be a major argument for those against co sleeping (Australian Parents...

Words: 728 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sleeping Pills

...Running head: BENEFITS OF SLEEP MEDICINE Benefits of Sleeping Pills May Outweigh the Harm Andrew V. Pham Georgia Perimeter College Abstract The article, “The Case for Sleep Medicine” published by The New York Times, discusses the issue of many Americans' dependence on sleep medicine by thoroughly explaining the effects of sleep deprivation, the risks of relying on these medicine, and the significance of natural sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gayle Green, the author of this article, states that sleep deprivation has caused many Americans to rely on sleeping pills to obtain enough sleep to function appropriately for work and other activities. This paper examines a study in the BMJ journal that discusses the risks of sleeping pills, and a research administered by researchers from the University of Chicago that depicts the negative effects of sleep deprivation. The article effectively uses these studies and research results to illustrate the many mental and physical complications that result from taking sleep medicine continuously for a period of time, but it seems as though many individuals are willing to accept the increase of risky body malfunctions rather than to lose sleep. Benefits of Sleeping Pills May Outweigh the Harm Sleep is fundamental for survival. It is the body's natural way of restoring itself from daily mental and physical activities. For young adolescents, adequate sleep leads to improved development in the brain and bodily growth....

Words: 1149 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sleeping Disorder

...“Orexin”, which regulates sleep. Some studies show that narcolepsy might be genetic as well. Symptoms of narcolepsy are often referred to the “Tetrad of Narcolepsy”, which are cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnogogic hallucinations. No treatment has been proven yet, but taking oral CNS stimulants such as Amphetamine and Methylphenidate can help with the excessive daytime sleepiness. Insomnia is a disorder in which a person suffers from having trouble in falling asleep or in staying asleep. Insomnia is caused by the disturbance of the circadian rhythm that results to the inability of to fall asleep during the regular sleeping hours. Symptoms include awakening at night and awakening too early; difficulty falling asleep at night; feeling tired after sleeping; and difficulty paying attention. Getting proper and regular sleep patterns can help treat insomnia. Sleeping pills and other sedatives can also help treat insomnia. Sleep Apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea may feel fatigue during daytime, slow reaction time, and may have vision problems. Main symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Being overweight or smoker usually causes it and can be treated with proper diet and exercise, and quitting smoking. Nightmares are unpleasant dreams that can bring fear, despair, anxiety and sadness to the person. It is usually...

Words: 392 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Sleeping Patterns

...Monica Torres SOCL 3030 15 September 2013 Sleeping Patterns and Academics: How Does This Affect College Students? Introduction College students' sleeping schedules have changed as they entered their college years of life. Sleep is very important to every student and without it they might not perform well academically. The amount of sleep is not the only important factor but the quality of sleep as well. This research will address the sleeping patterns of college students and how it affects their performance in their academics. Literature Review Walter Buboltz Jr. conducted research in order to view the sleep habits and patterns of college students. Sleep is vital to every human being, but Buboltz Jr. believes “this health need may be overlooked by college and university students in today's fast paced society” (Buboltz Jr. 2009:113). What Buboltz Jr. is attempting to answer with his research is why college students overlook the importance of sleep and how their sleeping patterns are affecting their daily routines. The sample that Buboltz Jr. used was 742 students, with 220 being men and 522 being women. He used two sleep questionnaires to ask his gathered sample of students; the first was the Sleep Quality Index and the second was the Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Both of these were included in a survey packet that were given to students in undergraduate psychology courses (Buboltz Jr. 2009:115). After collecting the data Buboltz Jr had the final result. About 11.5%...

Words: 1090 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sleeping Disorders

...not much worse in this world than not getting an ounce of sleep! Well, unfortunately millions of people across the globe suffer from some type of sleeping disorder. Whether it is insomnia keeping you up all night, or maybe even sleep apnea preventing you from getting a solid full nights rest. Today, I will go over some of the more common sleep disorders that are plaguing people around the globe. Insomnia Not only are sleep disorders extremely common, affecting virtually everyone at some point in their lives, but they can also lead to serious stress and other health concerns. Insomnia is by far the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults at least one night each week. Common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep and waking up before it is time to get up. There are many factors that can contribute to insomnia including stress and undetected physical medical conditions. Studies have shown that stress is the leading cause of insomnia among the affected population. Typical treatments include sleeping pills and behavior therapy. Practicing good sleep habits can often be effective for treating mild cases of insomnia. Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is the second most common sleep disorder and affects approximately 20 million Americans. Sleep apnea affects the way you breathe when you’re sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes very shallow during sleep. These breathing pauses typically last between 10...

Words: 839 - Pages: 4