Sleep Deprivation: Are Chronically Tired People at Greater Health Risk? is an article from the February 2010 edition of the CQ Researcher journal. The article is written by Clemmitt Marcia and published by the CQ press. Sleep deprivation is a condition that occurs when an individual fails to get enough sleep. Though the amount of sleep that a person needs varies from person to person, adults require 7 hours of sleep on average to feel well rested and alert. Teens want approximately 8 hours while children requisite nightly sleep of more depending on their age. This paper shall comprehensively elucidate the concept of sleep deprivation by pinpointing the effects that it has on the individual and the society at large.
The article states that chronically sleep-destitute people are at a high risk of causing accidents, developing mental illness, poor memories, and obesity, and in extreme cases, it may even lead to early death. Haphazardly, the current culture fights against the biological need of the body to have enough sleep. Additionally, many have resulted to use of drugs to treat their inability to sleep and this might have dire consequences to the parties involved. Though doctors can currently safely prescribe these medications, it may get many people into trouble.
Researchers conducted a study in Australia and established that, “the total price tag for sleep-deprivation-related problems is far higher” (Clemmitt, 124) Researchers established that it led to increased disease risk, increase in direct healthcare costs, drowsiness related accidents and low labor productivity that causes the country to loss $7.5 billion. Extrapolating these figures to America, whose population is10 times that of Australia, the price tag is devastating.
Despite the many efforts that the American authorities have taken in a bid to reduce the effects of insomnia, the number of sleep-deprived Americans is noted to have increased significantly in the past 5 years. The NSF (national sleep foundation) conducted a research that established that sleeping times are continuously decreasing. People tend to focus on other activities, especially social and economic, at the expense of sleep. The article indicates that, “more than 70 different disorders leave at least 40 million Americans feeling sleepy during the day, even if they spent enough sleep time in bed”(Clemmitt, 128) among the common disorders are Insomnia, Sleep apnea, Narcolepsy, Parasomnias and Restless Legs Syndrome. Despite the availability of several treatments for insomnia, it is only a few people who can access it due to its limited accessibility. Martica Hall, a professor in Pittsburgh, ascertains that, “the number of psychologists and physicians who have any training at all in sleep medicine is miniscule” (Clemmitt, 129). This calls for the training of more psychiatrists if the problem is to be effectively handled.
Everyone should strive to get enough sleep as it one’s ability to remember, make sound judgments, maintain a positive passionate outlook and arrive at ingenious insights. Though one may sacrifice their sleep so that they engage in equally important activities, the amount of harm that they are causing to themselves is mind-boggling. “Sleep is such a universal need that not only birds and bees but also plants need it” (Clemmitt, 130). This indicates the biological importance to not only animals but also plants. Though it might not be so obvious, there is enough evidence that animals and plants sleep in their own unique ways and time.
Some professionals such as nurses, fire fighters, law enforcers and doctors are in careers where the sleep pattern is irregular and may not get time to sleep in most cases. This makes them to underperform in their job, jeopardize their health and makes them to make erroneous decisions that also cost the public. “Sleep deprivation driven by work schedules is wrong”. Errors caused by intensified tiredness are catastrophic. There are plenty of manmade disasters that prove this outstandingly astonishing situation. Though many people believe that sleep is for “wussies” or the lazy is a mistaken perception. People should and must learn the importance of sleep.
The brain’s drive to sleep becomes chronic if one works for more than 16 hours. Sometimes, it becomes so intense that an individual cannot control. When the brain automatically switches off, one can do nothing about it and it will have far reaching effects. “ sleep-deprived doctors compromise patient safety” (Clemmitt, 134). It is, therefore, important for professionals to be on duty for a reasonable duration of time and get enough sleep or else, the effects of sleep deprivation might adversely cost the society. Scientists believe that improving people’s sleep would minimize rates of depression, diabetes and expensive cardiovascular diseases. Outrageously, policymakers are convinced that such h a move will be more costly hence not worth undertaking.
It is very devastating that most people do not understand the importance of having enough sleep and the health effects that insomnia might have on them. Despite the current need for social, political and economic advancement, people must learn to allocate a portion of their time to sleep. This calls for foregoing of some certain basic needs. Though one might want to concentrate on other important activities, sleep is equally of utter importance in life. The article gives a thorough and complete elucidation of the concept of sleep that informs any individual and makes them change their mindset. Despite the current mishaps, the society must ensure that people obtain enough sleep for the best interest of the individual and the society at large. Governments must be ready to allocate enough resources to the fight against insomnia.
As elucidated above, sleep is of utter importance in a person’s life. It averts the many catastrophes that would have otherwise costed the society. However, there is need for people to learn to embrace sleep and avoid any greed that might compromise their sleep. Schedules must also be properly structured to allow workers enough time for sleep and brain refreshment. Additionally, there is need for psychiatrists to further explore the concept of sleep and communicate the information to the contemporary materialistic society.
Work Cited
Clemmitt, Marcia. Sleep Deprivation: Are Chronically Tired People at Greater Health Risk?Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 2010. Internet resource. N.p., n.d. Print.
