Sleep Deprivation In The United States

Words: 1757
Pages: 8
Open Document
Fifteen-Hundred deaths annually in the United States are caused by driver sleep deprivation (Alic 1419). "A 2006 poll found that only twenty percent of teens got adequate sleep on school nights" (Alic 1419). You might feel that these statistics don't apply to yourself, but think again, do you feel tired? Sleep deprivation is a widespread problem that is ignored by many individuals. It affects students, families, and workers. Sleep deprivation can be tackled by methods such as medication and with medical help, along with proper time management. With these methods sleep deprivation can be greatly reduced and prevent many harmful effects.
Sleep deprivation is a major problem not just in the United States, but in the entire world. In the USA alone, …show more content…
To start off sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, require medical diagnosis and treatments. A couple examples for sleep apnea is to use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device), which keeps the airways open while sleeping (Alic 1423). If insomnia or other sleep disorders are present, seeing a doctor for advice is important. They may prescribe cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), hypnosis or a melatonin supplement, the hormone that causes sleep (Alic 1423). "Daily melatonin supplements may improve nighttime sleep in blind patients" (Alic 1423). Doctors often prescribe sleeping pills. Recently the "USDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved several sleep aids – called sedatives or hypnotics, - for indefinite use" (Alic 1423). Problems with sleeping aids include gaining tolerance toward the aid or even have reversing effects, which obviously is not good. The main problem with the sleep aids that these methods of solutions and treatment for sleep deprivation are expensive, but they are necessary if there is a chronic problem present. If money is a problem, then some simple solutions are sometimes effective. Research says that if the affected person of sleep deprivation is overweight, they can try to lose weight and see if the weight loss helps to get more sleep, or instead of sleeping on the side or front, sleep on your back. So, therefore, a doctor may just say to try and reduce weight, or the doctor may say otherwise. If these few have no effect, do not give up, there is still a lot of hope for
Show More

Related Documents: Sleep Deprivation In The United States

Essay on Sleed Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation is a big problem in American society. If one is suffering from sleep deprivation, one can experience a range of psychological and physical symptoms. Most adults should get about seven to eight hours of sleep per night, while teenagers should get at least eight to nine hours of sleep per night. Some people that suffer from sleep deprivation may suffer from a sleep disorder that does not allow them to fall asleep. Most people that suffer from sleep deprivation are…

Words 1681 - Pages 7

Why We Should Start Later In High School

Students across the United States are finding it increasingly more difficult to incorporate an item we deem to be a luxury in our society into their rigorous, hectic schedules: sleep. From after school activities to sports to work and to homework, teenagers barely have the time to take a breath. Sleep is a necessity that we cannot afford to lose, but unfortunately, high schools across the nation begin the day much earlier than many teenagers can tolerate, and because of this, students have been negatively…

Words 1067 - Pages 5

Sleep Deprivation Essay

2015 Sleep Deprivation In the United States, 40% of the people get less than the recommended amount of sleep (www.gallup.com/poll…, 3/18/15, 9:27pm). Many people may believe that a loss of a few hours of sleep won’t affect our health. But in actuality, sleep is one of the most important factor of your day to keep your body healthy and fully functional. We should have greater awareness of the consequences of not having the recommended amount of sleep. Not having the proper amount of sleep can result…

Words 420 - Pages 2

Arguments Against Torture

end so they make a false statement. One major event in the history of the United States is the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked 4 airplanes with many passengers in them. One plane hit the North Tower of the…

Words 708 - Pages 3

Prescription Stimulants Abuse

The misconceptions and spread of false information regarding prescription stimulants is one of the leading reasons abuse of such drugs is becoming more and more popular among college students across the nation. The increase in rigor of post-secondary institutions is only increasing the motive to recreationally use prescription simulants. Over the years, the abuse of so called “smart drugs” is only increasing; a 2010 study surveying 1025 college students showed that sixteen percent of respondents…

Words 1368 - Pages 6

Later School Start Times

later start times, aligning with adolescents' natural sleep patterns. Research overwhelmingly supports the notion that later school start times can significantly improve student sleep and alertness, enhance academic performance, and reduce various risks to student well-being. It is imperative that we consider this change for the benefit of our youth. #### Improved Student Sleep and Alertness Adolescents experience a natural shift in their sleep-wake cycle, often resulting in later bedtimes and wake…

Words 813 - Pages 4

Why We Should Start Later Essay

more sleep to be well prepared for school. “They found that data showed that delaying school start times to between 8:30 and 9am has better developmental outcomes for young students (6).” Changing the school start time to 1 hour later or even 30 minutes could substantially help the student be a better learner. “The average amount of sleep that teenagers get is between 7 and 7 14 hours. However, they need between 9 and 9 12 hours (studies show that most teenagers need exactly 9 14 hours of sleep (2)”…

Words 702 - Pages 3

Rem Sleep Essays

Sleep General Psychology Sleeping is something that we all do every night. We all have experienced waking up earlier than usual and being grumpy or sleeping long than usual and waking up tired. We have also all have had dreams that we have forgotten or that we remembered and they make no logical sense. Sleep as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which are bodies are restored. To begin the study of sleep, first we need to know why we…

Words 1282 - Pages 6

Tony Arellano's Honoring Our Veterans

based on how hard they are to earn. The article “Military Awards for Valor - Top 3” said, “The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the United States government. It is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, and is conferred only upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” (Military Awards for Valor -…

Words 1017 - Pages 5

Paid Parental Leave Legislation

The United States is the only developed country to not have a paid parental leave legislation on the books. This is a compelling issue because research has shown that there are many benefits to providing paid parental leave. Studies in Australia and Sweden show that passing paid parental leave can have a positive impact on life satisfaction, child mortality rates, child cognitive development, family bonding, parental stress, and an increase in breastfeeding rates. The United States (U.S.) has taken…

Words 606 - Pages 3