Deprivation Of Sleep Essay

Sleep is a behavioral state, that is a fundamental part of human life (“Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Biological Rhythms”). Despite the fact that we spend approximately one-third of our lives asleep, most individuals know little to nothing about this essential bodily function. Although the exact purpose of sleep, has yet to be discovered, sleep is essential for humans and other life forms to remain functional. Deprivation of sleep can cause serious physiological as well as psychological damage (Institute of Medicine, 2006). We all recognize and feel the need to sleep. After sleeping, we recognize changes that have occurred, as we feel rested and more alert. Sleep is a required activity, not an option (“Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Biological Rhythms”). Sleep is recognized for having an important role in public health. Sleep insufficiency has been linked to automobile accidents, industrial disasters, and medical and other occupational errors. People experiencing sleep insufficiency are also more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, and obesity, as …show more content…
Periods of non-REM sleep are characterized by decreases in muscle tone, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and metabolic rate. All these parameters reach their lowest values during slow-wave sleep. In non-REM sleep, body movements are reduced compared to wakefulness, although it is common to change sleeping position. Periods of REM sleep, in contrast, are characterized by increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism to levels almost as high as those found in the awake state. Sympathetic nerve activity also tend to increase significantly during this period of sleep (Institute of Medicine, 2006). In addition, REM sleep, as the name implies, is characterized by rapid, rolling eye movements, paralysis of large muscles, and the twitching of fingers and toes (Purves,