Sleep Health : Essential For An Individual 's Health And Well Being

Sleep disorders alter ones sleep pattern and often results in the inability to either sleep or sleep soundly. They often cause you to feel restless, tired, fatigued, and irritable. It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of adult Americans experience sleep disorder symptoms at least a few nights per week. At the same time, sleep disturbances in some form are seen in as many as 25 to 30 percent of infants and children (“Sleep Disorders” 2013). Clearly a huge conundrum in the world, sleep disorders affect an inordinate amount of people. Millions of people suffer or have suffered from a sleep disorder at one point in their lives and if mistreated can impact organ systems functioning negatively. Physical disturbances, medical issues,

Sleep is a beneficial necessity both from a scientific and psychological standpoint as sleep improves mental and physical health. Sleep plays an essential role in our growth and development as human beings. During sleep, our brains are growing and preparing for the day ahead so that we may be productive and attentive in every daily task (“Sleep”). Sleep is used by some as a way to escape the harsh reality of life, healing genuine sadness and terminating evocative pain. Without the recommended minimum of eight hours of sleep each night, people can get agitated, distracted easily, acquire health problems, make bad decisions, and feel sad and depressed (Borbely).

Studies have shown that daytime drowsiness, reduced alertness, and diminished intellectual performance is the result of poor sleep quality and shortened duration of sleep (Badran, Yassin, Fox, Laher, & Ayas, 2015). Moreover, it has been documented that disturbances in sleep and shortened duration of sleep can have negative effects on quality of life (Badran et al., 2015; CDC, 2013). Furthermore, without exception, sleep is vital for the brain and body to relax and repair itself for the purpose of functioning adequately (Jackson, Redline, & Emmons, 2015). Several epidemiologic research studies have linked untreated sleep-disordered breathing to several negative health and safety repercussions, including the increase threat of diabetes, depression,

Sleep has a major function in the physical and mental health of an individual. It is important to assess elements of sleep disorders when evaluating for any mental health condition. According to Perese (2012), “Psychiatric disorders characterized by sleep disturbances include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease” (pp 222-223). Normal sleep length should be at least 7 or 7.5 hours per night and when poor sleep pattern exists, it could affect alertness, memory, cognition, creativity and quality of life (Perese, 2012). Sleep-wake disorders can be described as any problem with sleeping including; difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much, sleeping at the wrong time and abnormal behaviors during sleep (MedlinePlus, 2015). According to DSM-5 (2013), “Sleep-wake disorders encompasses 10 disorders or disorder groups: insomnia disorder, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing-related sleep disorders, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep arousal disorders, nightmare disorder, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, restless leg syndrome, and substance/medication-induced sleep disorder” (p. 361).

Sleep is essential to life, and it is estimated that humans spend one third of their lifetime sleeping 1. An estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, yet only 20% report it to their physicians. Poor sleep may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and has serious biological consequences 2. A growing body of literature suggests a relationship between sleep parameters (sleep duration and sleep quality) and morbidity & mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and all-cause mortality 3-8. A recent review summarized 23 studies and

"Sleep disorders appear to be a global epidemic, affecting up to 45% of the world's population" (Noor, et al n.p.). That’s leaving a 55% chunk of the world’s population not affected. More than 70 million people in our nation experience sleep disorders, most of whom are unaware of the impact on their daily life (Wells,Vaughn 234). Due to a large portion of people being unaware of sleep disorders’ impaction, the number continuously increases. Major sleep disorders are known to be Rapid Eye Movement(REM), Insomnia, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA). Over 80 medically recognized sleep disorders exist with insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, jet lag, shift work, sleepwalking and restless legs syndrome being some of the most common (Wells, Vaughn

Sufficient sleep is defined as 7 or more hours in a 24-hour period. Poor sleep health is a common problem in the U.S. with 25 percent of adults reporting insufficient sleep for at least 15 out 30 days (2009). Over the last 30 years, the odds of being a short sleeper (less than 6 hours a night) has increased notably in the United States (Knutson et al. 2010). Currently, it is estimated that approximately 70 million Americans have sleep problems and that nearly 60 percent of them have a chronic disorder. Possible chronic disorders include; sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, parasomnia, jet-lag syndrome, and disturbed circadian rhythms (National Institutes of Health).

Some typical sleep disorders include narcolepsy, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless-leg syndrome. Lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues, including stress, a weakened immune system, and weight gain. By using cutting-edge sleep-study technology, the experts at Island Hospital can identify what’s causing your sleep issues so that you can seek treatment and finally enjoy a restful night.

Sleep is an essential part of any person’s health, however few people seem to realize that not receiving enough sleep can double the risk of becoming obese.“The ‘epidemic’ of obesity is paralleled by a ‘silent epidemic’ of reduced sleep duration with short sleep duration linked to the increased risk of obesity both in adults and in children”(Professor Cappuio). Someone who has developed a sleeping disorder such as, sleep apnea, may not have the motivation to diet or exercise, due to daytime sleepiness. Scientists at the University of Chicago conucted a study in 1999, which restricted eleven healthy young adults to four hours of sleep for six nights. The scientist discovered that restricting individuals to this amount of sleep impaired metabolism functions and disrupted hormone levels. It was also found that the subject’s abilities to process glucose in the blood had declined, in some cases to the level of diabities. ” Not only does obesity contribute to sleep problems such as sleep apnea, but sleep problems can also contribute to obesity.”(National Sleep Foundation)

Deprivation of sleep has been linked to a variety of health issues from type II diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, to mental health issues such as depression (Porkka-Heiskanen, Zitting & Wigren, 2013). The busy lifestyles of Western culture in the 21st century have increasingly deprived individuals of sleep. This could potentially be a contributing reason that there has been an increase of obesity in cultures such as that of the United States. But what makes humans sleep? Why, as a species, do we need to sleep? Beyond that of feeling tired, science has yet to come to a unanimous decision as to the reasons behind the human race needing to sleep. T. Porkka-Heiskanen, K.M. Zitting, and H.K. Wigren reviewed various research studies and compiled a report of some of the various theories as to why humans need sleep and the potential effects of lack of sleep on the human body, both physically and psychologically.

It is estimated that approximately 30% of adults report having difficulty with perceived quality of sleep or quantity of sleeping hours (Edmunds & Mayhew, 2014). To define insomnia, the patient takes longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep and has less than 6 ½ hours of total sleep (Edmunds & Mayhew, 2014). Insomnia is seen more commonly seen in women compared to men (McCance & Huether, 2014). Sleep disorders are a symptom usually of another problem; “thus a comprehensive review of the patient’s history and a thorough physical examination is required to rule out all possible causes of the sleep disturbance” (Edmunds & Mayhew, 2014, p. 541). Insomnia can be associated with many other diseases and unhealthy habits, so weeding through the patient’s history is very important.

Sleep. How much is too little? How much is too much? Does it matter when one sleeps? Without the crucial state of rest for both the mind and the body, known as sleep, human beings would be unable to perform everyday skills needed to thrive, such as eating, critical thinking, and performing tasks effectively. If one’s sleeping patterns are disturbed on a regular basis, then that person quite possibly might have a sleep disorder. The topic of sleep disorders is complex and extensive due to the fact that various types are recognized and diagnosed. A few of the wide range of sleep disorders include: sleep apnea, night terrors, Restless Leg Syndrome, narcolepsy, excessive snoring, insomnia, and many more. Each type of sleep disorder can affect individuals in its own specific way. Sleep disorders are quite intriguing simply because, no matter the type, two patients might display the same sleep disorder but exhibit differing symptoms. Two common sleep disorders that affect sleep are obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. When one experiences obstructive sleep apnea, the blockage of one’s airway, and narcolepsy, the overwhelming urge to sleep during the day, an individual can be affected both physically and emotionally.

Insomnia may also manifest as a clinical feature of a more predominant mental disorder.” This is significant, as is defines a distinct difference between primary insomnia and insomnia induced by another factor or mental illness. It is notable that this condition is prominent throughout society According to one study, over 35% of those interviewed complained about symptoms related to insomnia and 10% of those reported effects that persisted into the daytime, negatively impacting their cognition, relationships, job performance, safety, and overall mental wellbeing (Turkoski, 2006). In addition, the National Sleep Foundation (2017) found that two-thirds of surveyed Americans had difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep at least one night a week. Due to the reported prevalence of insomnia, it is important to consider the treatment methods employed to combat both primary and comorbid

Every living organism needs to rest, starting from the animal kingdom to humans. All of them need to sleep as a need for food, it is a necessity for life. Sleep is important and necessary for human health and its ability to engage in intellectual activity and mental fitness. Everyone needs to sleep, one of the basics of life. Humans spend almost half of lifetime sleeping and then have to know how to keep the body in a good sleeping time. Many of the physical problems can interfere with the ability to fall or stay asleep. Sleep is important; because it helps human to boost’s memory, being active, reduce the chronic inflammations, and mean the weight. Although, there are many disorders that may interfere with person’s sleep.

I. Everybody needs it: sleep. But what happens to us when we sleep? And what are common sleep-sicknesses? Those are questions that many people think of, sometimes even right before they fall asleep. Humans, like all animals, need sleep, along with food, water and oxygen, to survive. For humans sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being and we spend up to one-third of our lives asleep. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of things to know about sleep, but the focus will lie on the things that happen to our bodies when we are asleep, common, uncommon and dangerous sleep-sicknesses, and on dreams and nightmares.