Definition of Sleep:
According to the founder of the Sleep Research Center, Dr. William Dement defines sleeps as, "periodic, natural, reversible loss of consciousness" (p. 99). During this altered state of consciousness, body movement is decreased as well as the ability to respond to external stimuli. The brain, however, undergoes cycles of brain-wave activity which also includes various stages of dreaming. |
Importance and Effects:
Sleep is essential to a person's physical health as it plays a role in protecting and repairing the heart and blood vessels. Ongoing problems regarding the lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Sleep also supports growth and development, especially in children and teenagers, because when asleep, the body releases hormones that contribute to normal growth as well as increasing muscle mass and repairing cells and tissues. In terms of mental well-being, proper sleep improves learning and problem-solving skills. Without sleep, a person an experience problems with controlling their behavior, stress, and mood swings which can lead to depression. According to Harvard Medical School (2007), studies show that sleeping for less than five hours each night can increase the risk of death from all possible causes by about 15 percent.
Sleep is essential to a person's physical health as it plays a role in protecting and repairing the heart and blood vessels. Ongoing problems regarding the lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Sleep also supports growth and development, especially in children and teenagers, because when asleep, the body releases hormones that contribute to normal growth as well as increasing muscle mass and repairing cells and tissues. In terms of mental well-being, proper sleep improves learning and problem-solving skills. Without sleep, a person an experience problems with controlling their behavior, stress, and mood swings which can lead to depression. According to Harvard Medical School (2007), studies show that sleeping for less than five hours each night can increase the risk of death from all possible causes by about 15 percent.