The Benefits of Sleep on People Research Assignemnt

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The benefits of sleep on people
Introduction
The simplest definition of sleep is the condition which recurs for several hours every day. During this condition, the postural muscles remain relaxed, the eyes may remain closed, and the consciousness is suspended. The early physicians identified sleep as a state in between wakefulness and death. There are two states in sleep, Rapid Eye Movement ‘REM’; it occurs after sleeping for around ninety minutes. During this sleep state, the eyes move quickly beneath the eyelids, the activity of the brain increases and one is likely to dream. Non-Rapid Eye Movement ‘NREM’ involves episodes of imperfect awakening from sleep.
Acquiring enough sleep is recommended for everyone’s daily routine. Also, everyone spends about a third of their time sleeping. Just like food and water, getting quality sleep is also essential for survival. It is difficult for one to maintain the pathways in the brain that help to learn and creating new memories. Notably, sleep help in improving the functions of the brain. This paper aims at evaluating why sleeping is necessary and examine the benefits associated with acquiring enough sleep.
The amount of sleep need and sleep patterns varies depending on age. However, the amount of sleep need may vary significantly across people of the same age. Babies may sleep for about sixteen to eighteen hours per night (Hublin C, 1245-1253). Most of the school-aged children sleep for an average of nine and half hours per night while adults sleep for seven to nine hours per night. Notably, the sleep pattern changes when one attains the age of sixty years since the sleep tends to be shorter and gets interrupted by unexpected awakenings. Additionally, old people are likely to take medications which may interfere with their sleeping patterns.
Sleep is beneficial for a child’s health. Notably, the amount of sleep that a child gets can affect how the child feels or how he or she functions. Parents who help their children to sleep for the recommended amount of time help in improving the safety, health and psychological well-being of the child. Importantly, enough sleep is essential for the growth and development of the child. Adequate sleep is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. Children who acquire enough sleep can focus and remember what they learn in school. Sleep helps to enhance learning in academics and practical skills. Additionally, sleep helps in enhancing physical health since it supports the immune system which safeguards the body against infections.
Children who do not get enough sleep may end up suffering. Loss of sleep can be harmful to the normal functioning of the child. This is because sleep loss builds up and causes a sleep debt. The performance and the functioning of the child will be negatively affected by each sleep deficit. Children who have sleep deficit may have difficulties paying attention and may end up misbehaving because of change in character, and their academic performance may also decline. Notably, children who have sleep debts may have problems getting along with others, they lack motivation and may also have difficulties controlling their anger. ...