There are endless theories behind sleep-how, when, where and why we
sleep! For years scientists who have studied sleep concentrated on
observing and describing the cycles, phases and patterns of sleep. Dreams have also been studied extensively, induced, analysed and
interpreted, not only by scientists but by fortunetellers
and soothsayers throughout the ages.Scientists seemed to have concentrated on all else
except the fundamental purposes of sleep. Why do we sleep? We sleep in
order to rest and refresh our bodies. Scientists have
yet to find any vital biological function that sleep restores. The body
does not need sleep; virtually all our organs continue to function
efficiently without interruption, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys,
liver, bones, etc. They do not need sleep. Why then is sleep such a
major function, a necessity for the human beings
Recentstudies have led researchers to conclude that insomnia is far more
common than previously believed and its effects are far more reaching.It affects children, adolescents and adults alike, in all walks of life thereby increasing
several diseases, while decreasing performance and effectiveness in the
work place.Sleep is essential to life.Laboratory animals die young if
they are deprived of deep sleep, and so do humans.The American Cancer
Society in a survey, concluded that those who sleep six hours or less
have 30 per cent higher death rate than those who sleep eight hours,
even if they had no other health problems.
If it does not rest the body, then sleep certainly rests and
refreshes the brain.There is no doubt that it is the brain that
benefits from a restful sleep.Yet there is no agreement on the various
forms of benefits that the brain takes.One thing scientists do agree
upon is that sleep does improve memory. Memory is helpful at school or colleges, at
work and at play.
The number of hours necessary for sleep to fulfil its function
remains nebulous. You need as much sleep as will render you refreshed
and revived the next morning.Whatever number of hours that takes, that
is the precise number of hours you need.While some may feel totally
refreshed after 3-5 hours sleep, others 6-7 hours, most researchers say that this falls short of the necessary requirements, 8- 10
hours is more like it.
Sleep deprivation is what we all suffer from, decreasing the metabolic
activity of our brain as well as decreasing in core body temperature,
"a decrease in immune system function as measured by white cell count
and activity and a decrease in the release of growth hormone." It is
inconceivable that seven hours of sleep is not enough, but studies
reveal that a week’s duration of seven-hour nights leads to "impairment
of cognitive work, requiring simultaneous focus on several tasks".
Risky behaviour increases as sleep duration decreases. The
sleep-deprived individual ignores the high cost of an action, focussing
only on the limited benefits.
A good night’s sleep seems to be the cure to many of the ailments of
the 21st century. Though our needs may vary, we all benefit from a
minimum of 8-9 hours sleep daily in order to restore the brain’s
energy.
Consider this had you had that extra hour, two or three, of extended sleep, how much
more effective and efficient your performance would have been.
Well, here are dos and donts that could help you achieve
nature’s sweet restorer - that balmy sleep. It is considered "better
than medicine", and more effective than the sweetest lullaby:
- Do not turn your bed into your office - bed is for sleep.
-Go to bed and get up the same time each day, including weekends.
-Avoid caffeine(coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) after mid- afternoon.
Eliminate tobacco close to bedtime.
Exercise regularly throughout the day; avoid exercise at night.
Keep the bedroom cool and comfortable.
Give yourself at least an hour to unwind and relax.
Dim the lights, read a little, or watch TV, or have a glass of warm milk or a non-carb snack, if you must.
And so, goodnight! Embrace "the cool kindliness of sheets that soon smooth away trouble".
Thanks for reading my review