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Review related literature on sleep deprivation
Review related literature on sleep deprivation
Review related literature on sleep deprivation
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Recommended: Review related literature on sleep deprivation
Maria Diaz
Research Paper
Sleep, Consciousness and Dreams – The Hypothalamus
Our consciousness is the awareness of everything that is going on around us at any given moment, and our altered state of consciousness is when there is a “shift in the quality or pattern of our mental activity” as compared to our “walking consciousness”, which can be altered by certain things like “drugs, alcohol, or a sickness” (Hormones of the Hypothalamus." Hormones of the Hypothalamus).
The Hypothalamus along with the pons is responsible for this tiny section of the brain that influences sleep, wake up rhythms, and these states of consciousness by telling the pineal gland to secrete a certain hormone called melatonin. “Melatonin is a hormone that helps control
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Typically these sleep disorders do not just appear on their own, but develop over time because of other “health implication like hormones, mood/emotions, and weight,” (How Can the Hypothalamic-pituitary Axis Control so Many Body Functions). Now with so much scientific research and founding done in this area, the hypothalamus, has been recognized as a “key figure” that needs to be “targeted during therapeutic advances” that rely on the “neurotransmitter system to secrete and direct hormones like adenosine, dopamine, GABA, histamine and hypocretin (Orexin),” into the Automated Nervous System …show more content…
But, regardless many young adults and children do not get the hours of sleep needed causing one of many sleep disorders mentioned in the paragraph above. Lack of sleep can not only affect your sleeping patterns, but also the way you learn and memorize, “metabolism and weight”, “cardiovascular health, and the body’s immune system” that helps fight off cancerous cells (Mignot).
Works Cited
"Melatonin for Sleep: Hormone and Supplement Effects on Sleep." WebMD. WebMD, 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.
Czeisler, Charles A., Dr. "Melatonin and Sleep." Melatonin Dosage & Sleep. National Sleep Foundation, 2014. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles." WebMD. WebMD, 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.
Mignot, Emmanuel, Shahrad Taheri, and Seiji Nishino. "Sleeping with the Hypothalamus: Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Sleep Disorders." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Hormones of the Hypothalamus." Hormones of the Hypothalamus. Kimball's Biology Pages, 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Dec.
In order to discuss Melatonin as a drug and its effects on behavior we need to define Melatonin and what role it plays in relation to brain and behavior. Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted into the bloodstream by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is a small, pea sized structure near the center of the brain. Signals from the eyes regulate the secretion of Melatonin. A person's internal clock, will fluctuate between a 23-25 hour a day cycle. Therefore, our Melatonin levels decrease and increase with the rising and setting of the sun, which aid to putting an individual on a 24 hour awake/sleep cycle.(1)
Chronic sleep loss is becoming more common in modern culture and less restricted to sleep-deprived diseases such as insomnia. Suggested to be the result of a number car, industrial, medical, and other occupational accidents, sleep deprivation is beginning to be recognized as a public concern. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control
We live our entire life in two states, sleep and awake1. These two states are characterized by two distinct behaviors. For instance, the brain demonstrates a well-defined activity during non-REM sleep (nREM) that is different when we are awake. In the study of sleep by Huber et. al., the authors stated that sleep is in fact a global state2. It is unclear whether this statement means that sleep is a state of global behavioural inactivity or the state of the global nervous system. The notion that sleep is a global state of the nervous system served as basis for sleep researchers to search for a sleep switch. The discovery of the sleep switch, in return, provided evidence and enhanced the notion that sleep is a global state of the nervous system. The switch hypothesis developed from the fact that sleep can be initiated without fatigue and it is reversible1. It was hypothesized that there is something in the brain that has the ability to control the whole brain and initiate sleep. Studies have found a good candidate that demonstrated this ability3. They found a group of neurons in the Ventrolateral Preoptic (VLPO) nucleus. It was a good candidate because it was active during sleep, has neuronal output that can influence the wakefulness pathway, and lesion in the area followed reduce sleep3. The idea that there is something that can control the whole brain and result sleep state supports the idea that sleep is a global state of the nervous system.
3 Apr. 2014. Wolfson, Amy R., et al. " Middle School Start Times: The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep for Young Adolescents." Behavioral Sleep Medicine 5.3 (2007): 194-209.
First, one must identify and classify problems associated with sleep loss. Most commonly, “sleep disorders can result in tiredness, fatigue, depression, greater anxiety, irritability, pain sensitivity, muscle tremors, immunosuppression, and lack of daytime alertness” (Lai, & Good, 2005). As a result, those experiencing sleep issues are plagued with continuing problems, often with no simple solution available. Since “sleep quality is a very important factor in quality of life,” a significant amount of research is devoted to the treatment of sleep disorders (Harmat, Takacs, & Bodizs, 2008). Such research has lead to the development of pharmaceutical solutions; however, medicinal solutions may not alwa...
Kales, A. (1972). The evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders : Pharmacological and psychological studies. In M. Chase (ed.)The Sleeping Brain. Los Angeles : Brain Information Service.
Sleep deprivation is a commonplace occurrence in modern culture. Every day there seems to be twice as much work and half as much time to complete it in. This results in either extended periods of wakefulness or a decrease in sleep over an extended period of time. While some people may like to believe that they can train their bodies to not require as much sleep as they once did this belief is false (1). Sleep is needed to regenerate certain parts of the body, especially the brain, so that it may continue to function optimally. After periods of extended wakefulness or reduced sleep neurons may begin to malfunction, visibly effecting a person's behavior. Some organs, such as muscles, are able to regenerate even when a person is not sleeping so long as they are resting. This could involve lying awake but relaxed within a quite environment. Even though cognitive functions might not seem necessary in this scenario the brain, especially the cerebral cortex, is not able to rest but rather remains semi-alert in a state of "quiet readiness" (2). Certain stages of sleep are needed for the regeneration of neurons within the cerebral cortex while other stages of sleep seem to be used for forming new memories and generating new synaptic connections. The effects of sleep deprivation on behavior have been tested with relation to the presence of activity in different sections of the cerebral cortex.
Sleeping is something that is an essential part of human nature and is a must in order for one to be a functional human being. Sleep is an idea that is accompanied by many wives’ tales, including the idea that one needs seven to eight hours of sleep each night and alcohol helps one fall asleep and sleep more soundly. One myth about sleep is that during sleep, one is in a state of nothingness. In truth, however, it has been discovered that during sleep the brain is active, variations in heartbeat and breathing occur, and the eyes and ears are active throughout the time of sleep. These activities during a person’s sleep are important because they help that person be more aware, awake, and alert during sleep.
"Adenosine - What Is Adenosine?" Adenosine - What Is Adenosine? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2014.
Sleep disorders are an underestimated public health concern considering that fifty to seventy million Americans are affected. Technological advances in the field of sleep have facilitated various theories to explain the need for and the purpose of sleep. Scientist have uncovered many types of sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. Sleep disorders affect men ,women, children, the elderly, and the obese in different ways. Factors such as the number of children and the effects of menopause have been studied to determine their effects on sleep. Various treatments have been utilized ranging from non-pharmacologic to pharmacologic methods. Scientist have pinpointed areas of the brain that are involved in sleep deprivation and hormones that ultimately affect sleep.
Sleep is a very important factor in the human function. Our body and brain is able to reset itself and rejuvenate while we sleep. When we do not get the required amount of sleep, we start to feel lethargic and foggy minded, because our mind and body wasn’t able to replenish itself. Sleep is imperative that an insignificant rest deficiency or lack of sleep can affect our ability to remember things; decisions and can affect our temperament. Chronic sleep deficiency can get the body to feel agitated and it could lead to serious health problems such as, heart problems, stress, acne, and obesity.
"Physical Side Effects of Oversleeping." Sleep Disorders Health Center. WebMD, 2005-2014. Web. 9 May 2014. .
What research has told us is that sleep is relegated by an internal time clock or what the experts call the circadian cycle. First circadian comes from two Latin words circa: about and dia: day. All the various bodily function cycle that occur during the day are related to our circadian cycle. Since the time of Aristotle and Hippocrates these cycles have been recognized. Our sleep/wake cycles is one of the best known bodily functions to show circadian rhythms, and even our vital signs are directly linked to this cycle. As technology advances we gain more precise measurements, allowing researchers to recognize more circadian cycles which in turn teach us how our bodies work and function. On an interesting note it has been found that bone length is linked to and show a circadian cycle.
Lack of sleep negatively affects many different aspects of your life and making sure you get enough sleep will save you from: mood swings, loss of focus, change in behavior, and difficulties in everyday tasks.
Wells, M., & Vaughn, B. V. (2012). Poor Sleep Challenging the Health of a Nation. Neurodiagnostic Journal,52(3), 233-249.