Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. While sleeping the human brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli than the external stimuli. During sleep state, we are generally unaware of our surroundings. It is in this state that the body is getting itself charged up for the next day’s activity.
When a person is unable to get the right quantity of sleep, he may feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Memory losses and learning disabilities also accompany sleep deprivation. Sleep is a biological necessity for all human beings and the requirement of it varies from one person to the other. Infants require around 15-16 hours of sleep as compared to kids who require 10-12 hours of sound sleep. As we grow older, the sleep demands of the body reduce. An adult may need 8-9 hours undisturbed sleep whereas again the elderly can do with 6-7 hours of sleep. You must have seen your grandparents getting up very early in the morning.
The study of sleeping disorders in the American population presented strange facts. Almost 50 million American populations suffer from some or the other forms of sleep disorders. This includes the children as well.
Sleep disorders are not just responsible for decreased work performance or poor school grades; they can have a very negative impact on the way we think and function. Sleep disorders can create havoc in intimate relationships. They can change the quality of our lives, considerably. Such is the impact of sleep disorders!!!
The only way to get rid of sleep disorders is to act as soon as the problem is identified. There are innumerable treatments in form of medications, therapies that can be used. Gathering as much information about the sleep disorder problems from valuable sources such as the medical groups and the internet can help one identify the problem and look out for the treatment.
Sleep disorder problems are increasing as we are getting busy in our lives to the extent of neglecting our health and ignoring the basic demands of one’s anatomy. People, who are unable to find time off the work during day, use the sleep hours for recreation. The body can take such abuses for a day or two but once the limit is reached, it retaliates back with symptoms of chronic sleep disorders.
Consequences of sleep deprivation are many fold. They can be as simple as drowsiness and can be as dangerous as sleep paralysis or even a heart stroke. People with sleep disorders are more prone to high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and many such diseases. Some of the obvious consequences of sleep disorders are discussed below.
1. Stress and anxiety: people can get anxious about anything. One may be anxious about a planned trip or the visit of a relative…there’s no end to it. Often women are more prone to stress and anxiety. Hence, they are generally more susceptible to insomnia sleep disorder. Stress and anxiety can be controlled by suing techniques such as meditation and positive thinking.
2. Anger, Irritability and Depression: lack of proper sleep can cause understanding problems. Some people may be so worried about not being able to sleep that they can fall trap to depression. Constant drowsiness and need to sleep can lead to frustration and irritability.
3. Lack of focus and difficulty in concentrating: sleep deprivation for an even a few nights can cause problems of memory loss and concentration. Since sleep directly affects well being of our central nervous system, lack of it can cause imbalance in the brain activities. Sleep disorders in children can affect their ability to concentrate in the class and focus on their studies.
4. Impaired ability to drive a motor vehicle: there are many road and on-the-job accidents that occur because the people handling vehicle or machinery fall asleep in strange places and at strange times. Fear to falling asleep is the reason why sometimes parents teach their minor kids to handle the vehicle, all the way more dangerous. A good night sleep ensures that you are fresh in the morning to take up your responsibilities.
5. Suppression of the immune system: sleep is necessary to rejuvenate and revitalize our body. As discussed earlier, good night sleep helps the body function properly. It is like recharging your batteries for the next day’s performance. Sleep boosts the immune system and helps it in fighting diseases. Lack of proper sleep has consequences otherwise.
Going through the consequences that sleep deprivation can cause, it is important to realize that as work is necessary for earning a living, sleep is necessary for a healthy body.