Introduction to Sleep – Why You Need It
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In the day and age where technology driven lives with cell phones, PDAs, laptops, and the like are a part of everyday life designed to keep us in touch with those around us and increase productivity we find ourselves going nonstop 24/7. You would think this would provide more time to relax but that doesn’t appear to be the case, we simply work more. We try to cram as much stuff into our day-to-day lives that we often create stress and end up losing focus on what is important. In the day and age where technology driven lives with cell phones, PDAs, laptops, and the like are a part of everyday life designed to keep us in touch with those around us and increase productivity we find ourselves going nonstop 24/7. You would think this would provide more time to relax but that doesn’t appear to be the case, we simply work more. We try to cram as much stuff into our day-to-day lives that we often create stress and end up losing focus on what is important. |
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In the midst of juggling work, family, and friends the day can get away from us causing us to work and play later in the day cutting into valuable time for one of the most important activities a person needs to do; SLEEP!
How Much Sleep is Enough
Research suggests that the average adult requires 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and rested for the following day. Unfortunately, the average adult is getting less than 7 hours of sleep each night, while one-third report that daytime sleepiness is severe enough to affect their lives. It is estimated that 70 million Americans may be affected by sleep disorders or chronic sleep loss in the United States.
Why Sleep is Important
Many Americans believe, to function at their best they need to get more and more done while awake. In the rush to meet household, work, school, and family responsibilities people cut back on sleep thinking that it is merely a “down time” when their brain shuts off and their body rests. Yet there is more to it, research indicates that vital tasks are carried out while a person sleeps to help maintain good health and make it possible for people to function at their best. Without it we end up being less productive and unhealthy.
When a person sleeps their brain is busy forming the pathways necessary for learning and creating memories and new insights. If we don’t get enough sleep it becomes difficult to focus and pay attention. The lack of sleep even affects our ability to respond quickly and may even cause mood problems. In addition, growing evidence shows that a chronic lack of sleep may increase the risk for developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infections, and obesity.
Next – Stages of Sleep
References: US Department of Health and Human Services
