Sleep Deprivation, Essay Example

Introduction

In this discussion some important aspects of sleep deprivation will be highlighted. They include explorations into the effects of sleep deprivation; when someone becomes tired what are the consequences, how it will affect one’s sleeping pattern, some causes of sleep disturbances and how to improve the quality of sleep.

Development

Lack of sleep affects the body in many ways yet people allow themselves to be deprived of it. Ten serious consequences of sleep deprivation include the potential of getting into accidents, which could cause loss of life along with those of others.  Studies show where people who work in factories tend to become injured due to sleep loss. With respect to danger on the body lack of sleep first manifests as thinking difficulties, which contribute to accidents. Essentially, people are less alert because energy levels fall. The body needs sleep to build red blood cells. This is responsible for many effects of sleep deprivation on the body. Sleep cycles are important for replenishing mental energy. Besides, concentrating and learning is impaired (Smith, Robinson,  & Segal, 2011).

Among other adverse effects on the body are the risks for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, irregular heart rhythm along with loss of sexual appetite. Studies show that 90% of persons with sleep deprivation ultimately suffer from insomnia, which leads to depression and an aging skin tone. Later the reaction could lead to either weight loss or excessive weight gain. More importantly, studies reveal that lack of sleep hastens death through cardio vascular disease (Pilcher  & Huffcutt, 2015).

Tiredness severely affects the desire to sleep. Scientists have defined perpetual tiredness as chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers are aware that fatigue and tiredness do affect sleep desire, but distinct characteristic relating the two variables have not been clearly understood. The body’s sleep mechanism requires some measure of relaxation of body and mind. When someone is tired the body and mind are tense and the mechanism required to activate sleep is inhibited. This is why doctors prescribe tranquilizers to initiate sleep in cases when tiredness overtakes the individual (Pilcher & Huffcutt, 2015).

One cause of sleep deprivation is alcohol consumption. Scientists contend that the glass of wine some people think that they need before going to bed can be very dangerous. The initial effect of alcohol might be the desire to sleep, but after that feeling subsides the sleep difficulty emerges. Scientists contend that the body breaks down alcohol as any substance it receives. As this happens the initial stimulating effect rebounds preventing deeper stages of sleep to occur. Bedtime snack is another reason for preventing sleep. When the stomach is supposed to rest a bed time snack causes it to work producing tiredness and withholding sleep (Pilcher  & Huffcutt, 2015).

Conclusion

The question is now asked what can be done to improve sleep qualities. They range from therapies to medication depending on the underlying cause of sleep loss. Some peope just feel compelled not to sleep thinking that either they are disturbed. Others have trained themselves into a routine of taking less than the required amount needed for their bodies. These persons would require therapeutic interventions (Graci & Hardie, 2007).  Others who are deprived due to pain or depression would need medication in resolving the problem. Besides, it is advised to avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, which inhibit sleep or limit your exposure to toxic chemicals (Ramakrishnan & Scheid, 2007).

References

Graci, G., & Hardie, J. (2007). Evidenced-Based Hypnotherapy for the Management of Sleep Disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 55 (3): 288–302

Ramakrishnan, K., & Scheid, D. (2007). Treatment options for insomnia. American family physician 76 (4): 517–526

Smith, M.  Robinson, L., & Segal, R. (2011). Sleep Disorders and Sleeping Problems. NINDS Narcolepsy .

Pilcher, J., & Huffcutt, A (2015). Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Sleep, 19(4); 12 -22.