Suffering from lack of sleep?
Well, sure. Who isn't? Here are some ways to help.
What it is and why it's a problem
Sleep deprivation, as you're probably well aware, is a condition of not having enough sleep. If too much piles up, it causes daytime sleepiness, clumsiness, and sometimes weight loss or gain. Sleeping is a basic, necessary human need. Too little sleep affects the brain, leading to the above as well as physical and mental problems, injuries, and a loss of productivity (which you're probably well aware of by this point.)
Quick Statistics
- Teens need an average of 9 1/2 hours of sleep per night to function at optimum levels
- Only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on school nights
- 75% of students who say they feel unhappy, sad, or depressed don't get enough sleep
- At least 100,000 police reported crashes each year are due to drowsy driving, resulting in 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries.
Yeah. This is a real problem.
It can be hard to get enough sleep, but once your circadian rhythm is back online, you'll feel like you're floating.
Sleep deprivation has been linked to heart problems and premature death. Plus, it just generally stinks.
Don't be like this guy. Get help. (Or just help yourself. Either way.)
10 Signs You May Be Sleep Deprived (as if you couldn't tell)
- inability to handle stress
- poor memory
- inability to concentrate
- increased appetite
- vision problems
- poor decision making
- diminished motor skills
- relationship troubles due to irritability or the other symptoms listed here
- medical problems
- mood swings
How You Can Help Yourself (Or a Friend)
- Go to bed early on weekends.
- Put away the electronics.
- Have a bedtime routine.
- Reduce intense sensory activity during sleep.
- Don't have any caffeine for at least 4-6 hours before going to sleep.
Places to Contact:
Crouse Hospital Sleep Center
A center in the hospital devoted to sleep deficiencies and other problems with sleep. Located on the second floor of the Memorial unit.
Website: http://www.crouse.org/services/sleep-center
Location: 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 470-7440
Need More Information?
Try these websites to get some more info.
(You're going to want to write these down.)
(You're going to want to write these down.)
- http://webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/important-sleep-habits
- http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1690
- http://nymag.com/news/features/38951/
- http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep