How many times have we as adults commented on our need for more sleep? It seems the
busier we are and the more fatigued we get, the more difficult it is to get a good night’s
sleep. Sleep deprivation is a problem for over 47 million Americans, or one-fourth of the
population. The primary cause of sleep problems for most individuals is stress.
We are experiencing a sleep deprivation epidemic in this country. Over the past few
decades, the number of hours of sleep we adults get on average has dropped from 9 hours in
1910 to 7.5 hours in 1975. In 2002, the National Sleep Foundation found in their poll that
the average American adult only sleeps 6.9 hours a night. Shift workers were found to
average only five hours of sleep a night and many Generation Xers report that they regularly
get only between 5 and 6 hours of sleep a night.
How Much Sleep Is Enough?
Over the years, we’ve learned that individuals at different ages need different amounts of
sleep. Listed below is the average number of hours of sleep generally needed for various
age categories:
- Birth to 24 months –thirteen to seventeen hours
- Toddlers – nine to thirteen hours
- Nine to Ten years old – ten to eleven hours
- Teenagers – nine to ten hours
- Adults to 65 years – eight to nine hours
- Over 65 years – six to eight hours
The Cost of Sleep Deprivation:
We pay a high price for chronic sleep deprivation. It’s not just about being fatigued and
groggy the next day after a poor night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation can result in memory loss,
reduced mental capacity, reduced physical energy, accidents, depression and mood swings.
The frontal cortex of our brain needs adequate sleep in order to function effectively.
Without sufficient rest, tasks such as ability to control speech, access memory and solve
problems may be affected.
A recent study by the University of Chicago found that individuals who regularly sleep less
than six hours a night have an impaired ability to process glucose, which may lead to
obsesity. It is suspected that there is an increased level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in
the body in sleep-deprived individuals. Weight gain may also be attributed to lack of energy
associated with sleep deprivation. Also, when we're tired, we frequently eat more as a "pick
me up."
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that sleep deprivation may be a contributor in road
rage. Additionally, sleep deprivation can have some of the same hazardous effects on driving
as being drunk.
Researchers have found that getting less than six hours of sleep a night can negatively affect
your coordination, reaction time, and judgment. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) "drowsy driving" is responsible for more than 100,000 car
crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths every year. Staying awake for 24 hrs. leads to a
reduced hand-to-eye coordination similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.1 (the legal limit for
intoxication in the U.S.).
Common Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Adults:
While most of us are aware when we have been deprived of sleep, there are some symptoms
that indicate when sleep deprivation needs medical intervention: These include:
Common Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Children:
Children suffering from sleep deprivation tend to exhibit a different set of symptoms than
those of the adult. Children tend to get “revved up” rather than slowed down when they are
deprived of sleep. Listed below are some common symptoms of sleep deprivation in
children:
Causes of Sleep Problems:
There are a number of factors that may contribute to an individual’s sleep problem.
However, the primary cause of sleep deprivation is stress. A vicious cycle can develop with
stress and sleep deprivation. Stress is a primary cause of sleep deprivation. Sleep
deprivation in turn causes stress, which weakens the immune system---leaving us susceptible
to a number of illnesses, including diabetes, the common cold, and even cancer. Other
causes of sleep problems include various medical conditions or medications an individual
may be taking. Caffeine or food additives can contribute to sleep problems. Alcohol and/or
drug abuse are also major contributors to sleep deprivation.
If you find that you regularly have difficulty with the quality of your sleep, it’s important to
seek professional help. There may be an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea,
insomnia or restless leg syndrome contributing to your sleep problems.
For further information on sleep needs and sleep problems, log on to:
www.sleepfoundation.org
We pay a high price for chronic sleep deprivation. It’s not just about being fatigued and
groggy the next day after a poor night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation can result in memory loss,
reduced mental capacity, reduced physical energy, accidents, depression and mood swings.
The frontal cortex of our brain needs adequate sleep in order to function effectively.
Without sufficient rest, tasks such as ability to control speech, access memory and solve
problems may be affected.
A recent study by the University of Chicago found that individuals who regularly sleep less
than six hours a night have an impaired ability to process glucose, which may lead to
obsesity. It is suspected that there is an increased level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in
the body in sleep-deprived individuals. Weight gain may also be attributed to lack of energy
associated with sleep deprivation. Also, when we're tired, we frequently eat more as a "pick
me up."
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that sleep deprivation may be a contributor in road
rage. Additionally, sleep deprivation can have some of the same hazardous effects on driving
as being drunk.
Researchers have found that getting less than six hours of sleep a night can negatively affect
your coordination, reaction time, and judgment. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) "drowsy driving" is responsible for more than 100,000 car
crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths every year. Staying awake for 24 hrs. leads to a
reduced hand-to-eye coordination similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.1 (the legal limit for
intoxication in the U.S.).
Common Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Adults:
While most of us are aware when we have been deprived of sleep, there are some symptoms
that indicate when sleep deprivation needs medical intervention: These include:
- Excessive snoring
- Choking sensation while asleep
- Nightmares
- Chronic insomnia
- Suffering from sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome or asthma.
- Excessive use of sleeping pills or sedatives in order to get to sleep.
- Excessive Yawning
- Tendency to doze off when not active; for example, while watching T.V.
- Grogginess when waking in the morning or experienced throughout the day
- Poor concentration and focus
- Mood changes, i.e, more irritable
Common Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation in Children:
Children suffering from sleep deprivation tend to exhibit a different set of symptoms than
those of the adult. Children tend to get “revved up” rather than slowed down when they are
deprived of sleep. Listed below are some common symptoms of sleep deprivation in
children:
- Reluctance to get out of bed in the morning
- Grogginess when awakened
- Needing daytime naps
- Moodiness and irritability
- Temper tantrums or tendency to explode at slightest provocation
- Over-activity and hyperactive behavior
Causes of Sleep Problems:
There are a number of factors that may contribute to an individual’s sleep problem.
However, the primary cause of sleep deprivation is stress. A vicious cycle can develop with
stress and sleep deprivation. Stress is a primary cause of sleep deprivation. Sleep
deprivation in turn causes stress, which weakens the immune system---leaving us susceptible
to a number of illnesses, including diabetes, the common cold, and even cancer. Other
causes of sleep problems include various medical conditions or medications an individual
may be taking. Caffeine or food additives can contribute to sleep problems. Alcohol and/or
drug abuse are also major contributors to sleep deprivation.
If you find that you regularly have difficulty with the quality of your sleep, it’s important to
seek professional help. There may be an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea,
insomnia or restless leg syndrome contributing to your sleep problems.
For further information on sleep needs and sleep problems, log on to:
www.sleepfoundation.org
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. If you are in need of mental health services, please contact a provider in your community. © 2008 Family Recovery Resources All Rights Reserved |
Sleep deprivation can result in memory loss, reduced mental capacity, accidents, depression and mood swings. |
Children suffering from sleep deprivation tend to exhibit a different set of symptoms than those of the adult. |
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In her eBook, Your Insomnia Cure, neurologist Dr. Samantha Hement
provides a wealth of natural insomnia cures that contain cutting edge
insomnia-breaking techniques. To learn more about how to treat sleep
problems, click on: http://tinyurl.com/2tqd4x.
provides a wealth of natural insomnia cures that contain cutting edge
insomnia-breaking techniques. To learn more about how to treat sleep
problems, click on: http://tinyurl.com/2tqd4x.
www.mentalhealthcorner.com