Sleep deprivation
Introduction
Sleep deprivation, also recognized as insufficient sleep or at other times, sleeplessness refers to the condition of not having enough sleep. It is worth noting that sleep deprivation can be either chronic or acute and may, to a great extent, vary widely in severity. It is significant to learn about sleep deprivation as doing so helps one to identify the causes of sleep deprivation, including how this negatively affects people in society. As far as this is concerned, it becomes imperative to note that there is no questioning the significance of restorative sleep, and as such, a certain amount of attention is necessary, especially when it comes to managing as well as preventing sleep deprivation.
Background
It is worth noting that sleep deprivation happens to be among the most common, but yet frequently overlooked as well as readily fixable health challenges. Studies indicate that about fifty to seventy million Americans chronically suffer from sleep deprivation, something that highly hinders the normal day-to-day functioning of the body hence affecting health as well as longevity. Even though sleep deprivation has been in place for a long time, it is only recently that researchers have emphasized on the issue. It is not a specific disease as it just implies one is not having enough sleep. The various studies that have over the years revolved around sleep have played a tremendous role in helping clarify about sleep deprivation. For instance, Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman, who is currently recognized as the ‘Father of American sleep research,’ started work in Chicago around the 1920s with the sole intention to question the regulation of sleep as well as wakefulness (Kleitman 349-356). His work also reflected upon studies of sleep characteristics in various populations, including the effect of sleep deprivation. The work of Kleitman has been considered by numerous scientists, especially when it comes to exploring the topic of sleep deprivation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is estimated that about fifty-two percent of children (ages 6-17) across the United States suffer from sleep deprivation. It is worth noting that sleep deprivation is not an American issue alone as it continues to trouble individuals around the world.
Effect on Social Health
Unlike many other hereditary health issues, sleep deprivation is, to a great extent, based on an individual need. This is to say that if one requires nine hours of sleep to feel rested, the person may highly feel sleep-deprived if only seven or eight hours are used for sleep. As far as this is concerned, it becomes proper to realize that the less sleep one gets, the more their sleep deprivation will impact them. Various other factors may trigger sleep deprivation, for instance, pregnancy, as well as a stomachache. It normally manifests itself by making one feel sleepy and also less alert than usual. As such, various behaviors are depicted by those who are experiencing this concern (Hershner 73). For instance, such individuals always look sleepy and drowsy. They also have difficulty concentrating when it comes to any discussion. Even though daytime sleepiness tends to be the most common behavior shown by people with sleep deprivation, other behaviors such as depressed mood, irritability, and yawning may be seen as well.
Proposed Solution
It is essential to realize that sleep deprivation can be hazardous to a person’s health as well as happiness. It is a serious health challenge that affects millions of individuals across the world. As such, parents, including caregivers, have a great role in ensuring that children, as well as teens, do understand the significance of sleep and that they receive an appropriate amount of it. If children are in any way struggling with this health concern, there are various things that parents can do to assist them (Wilkoff 1463-1464). For instance, parents can get involved in teaching their children to fall asleep independently, they can establish good limits at bedtime, and they can, to a great extent, manage electronics with what can best be described as a house rules contract. Some of the potential rules that parents can consider to help these struggling children include agreeing to turn off devices an hour before going to bed and ensuring that no devices within bedrooms overnight.