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The Human Need for Sleep:
Sleep Is a Basic Human Need |
Sleep is a natural part of everybody's life, but many people know very
little about how important it really is, and some even try to get by with
little sleep. Sleep is something our bodies need to
do; it is not an option. Even though the exact reasons for sleep
remain a mystery, we do know that during sleep many of the body's major
organ and regulatory systems continue to work actively. Some parts of the
brain actually increase their activity dramatically, and the body produces
more of certain hormones.
Sleep, like diet and exercise, is important for our minds and bodies to
function normally. In fact, sleep is not only
essential for our general health, but it appears to be required for
survival.
An internal biological clock regulates the timing for sleep. It programs
each person to feel sleepy during the nighttime hours and to be active
during the daylight hours. Light is the cue that synchronizes the
biological clock to the 24-hour cycle of day and night.
Problem Sleepiness Has Serious Consequences
Sleepiness due to chronic lack of adequate sleep is a big problem in the
United States and affects many children as well as adults. Children and
even adolescents need at least 9 hours of sleep each night to do their
best. Most adults need approximately 8 hours of sleep each night.
When we get less sleep (even one hour less) than we need each night, we
develop a "sleep debt." If the sleep debt becomes too great, it
can lead to problem sleepiness – sleepiness that occurs when you should
be awake and alert, that interferes with daily routine and activities, and
reduces your ability to function. Even if you do not feel sleepy, the
sleep debt can have a powerful negative effect on your daytime
performance, thinking, and mood, and cause you to fall asleep at
inappropriate and even dangerous times.
Problem sleepiness has serious consequences – it puts adolescents and
adults at risk for drowsy driving or workplace accidents. In children, it
increases the risk of accidents and injuries. In addition, lack of sleep
can have a negative effect on children's performance in school, on the
playground, in extracurricular activities, and in social relationships.
Inadequate sleep can cause decreases in
- Performance
- Concentration
- Reaction times (important when driving)
- Consolidation of information learning
Inadequate sleep can cause increases in
- Memory lapses
- Accidents and injuries
- Behavior Problems
- Mood Problems
- Signs of sleep disorders
A child who has not obtained adequate nighttime sleep
is at high risk for symptoms of physical and/or mental impairment.
The child may fall asleep in school, have difficulty concentrating in
school and other activities, and/or exhibit behavioral problems. Some
children who are sleepy become agitated rather than lethargic and may be
misdiagnosed as hyperactive. Not getting enough sleep is one cause of
problem sleepiness. Undiagnosed/untreated sleep disorders can also cause
problem sleepiness.
Children as well as adults can suffer from sleep disorders. Parents should
talk to their pediatrician about a possible sleep disorder if their child
has any of the following:
- Snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Problems with sleeping at night
- Difficulty staying awake during the day
- Unexplained decrease in daytime performance
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