Why We Sleep Essay

Getting Horizontal

If sleep is not the absence of wakefulness, then what is sleep? According to the book “Why We Sleep”, numerous functions of the brain are restored by or depend upon sleep. There are two types of sleep, one is light sleep, otherwise known as naps, and the deep sleep, (difficult to wake). Neither one of these sleeps is more essential than the other. Losing out on any one of these types of sleeps will cause brain impairment, poor academic performance, increase impulsivity, pain and a high risk for car crashes.

In the American Society, sleep deprivation is one of the most common problems. It is a problem that causes, in many different ways, harm to our bodies and personalities. It has shown a decrease performance with students in high schools (falling asleep in class and failing in almost every subject area). Studies proved that students who were sleeping longer obtained better grades across the board. In colleges and universities, these students normally spend late night cramming

for test and loaded up with caffeine, drug experimentation. Etc.
Sleep deprivation increase impulsivity where some people make rash destructive decisions that can jeopardize their future and also others.

It causes mental depression, accident prone or become easily confused (Walker). Within the same author, it states that the more sleep you get it refreshes our ability to initially make new memories. It does so each and every night.

According to the book “ Why We Sleep” The less sleep you have had, the more sensitive you are to pain of all kinds. The most common place where people experience significant and sustained pain is often at the hospital. If you have been unfortunate enough to spend even a single night in the hospital you will know this. This is mostly in the intensive care unit, where the most severely sick, those most in need of sleep’s help. (Walker)

Sleep deprivation does not only affect ourselves, but the lives of people around us. A person tend to be more vulnerable to making mistakes when overly tired and

driving.
In the book, “Why We Sleep”, Know when to stop driving and pull over and take a nap. Driving while your are tired is dangerous to you and others.
In conclusion, sleep deprivation is a major issue. It not only has physical and mental effects on ourselves, but in many ways, it can negatively affect the lives of other people. Being aware of a healthy amount of sleep and ways to control a person’s sleeping habits are necessary for living a long and healthy life.