What We Loose-When We Don 't Snooze For most of us, we have experienced days where we are running on fumes. We function to the best of our ability and look forward to returning to our beds for needed slumber. According to an article presented by the National Sleep Foundation, “How much sleep do we really need?” adults between the ages 18 to 64 are recommended 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. Unfortunately, 1/3 of Americans are sleeping less than 7 hours on a nightly basis. This continuation of sleep debt is taking its toll on our nation and has gradually become the the top ranked public health crisis, bypassing smoking and obesity. By understanding the role sleep plays in our ability to function at optimal performance we have a greater chance
…show more content…
These rhythms are controlled by a combination of two internal influences, homeostasis and circadian rhythms. First we examine homeostasis. According to the article “The Drive to Sleep an Our Internal Clock” presented by the Department of Sleep, Harvard University, homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a “steady state of internal conditions such blood pressure, heartbeat and sleep-wake drive.”To demonstrate, from the time we get up to the time we go to bed our body accumulates a natural drive to rest, it reaches its maximum in the late evening. Homeostasis, coupled with Circadian rhythms enforces our drive to …show more content…
Uniquely, this internal timekeeper is designed to regulate feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. Our bodies are tuned for 16-hour wake cycle, coupled with 8-hour rest cycle. Additionally, this timekeeper controls wakefulness in response to light, and drowsiness with the onset of darkness. It is important to realize these two internal factors are synchronized and if they are compromised our mental and physical performance is greatly diminished. Likewise, a continuation of sleep deprivation over long periods of time can lead to adverse effects on the
These rhythms are controlled by a combination of two internal influences, homeostasis and circadian rhythms. First we examine homeostasis. According to the article “The Drive to Sleep an Our Internal Clock” presented by the Department of Sleep, Harvard University, homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a “steady state of internal conditions such blood pressure, heartbeat and sleep-wake drive.”To demonstrate, from the time we get up to the time we go to bed our body accumulates a natural drive to rest, it reaches its maximum in the late evening. Homeostasis, coupled with Circadian rhythms enforces our drive to …show more content…
Uniquely, this internal timekeeper is designed to regulate feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. Our bodies are tuned for 16-hour wake cycle, coupled with 8-hour rest cycle. Additionally, this timekeeper controls wakefulness in response to light, and drowsiness with the onset of darkness. It is important to realize these two internal factors are synchronized and if they are compromised our mental and physical performance is greatly diminished. Likewise, a continuation of sleep deprivation over long periods of time can lead to adverse effects on the