Sleep Deprivation

 

Sleep is deeply undervalued in our go-go-go society, and the results of sleep deprivation are becoming increasingly evident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did a study of unhealthy sleep-related behaviors, which revealed that nearly 44 percent of 18-25 year olds fell asleep unintentionally during the day in the previous month and nearly 5 percent of that group fell asleep while driving. According to the National Department of Transportation, drowsy driving results in 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries per year. The transportation department study also showed that young people (age 16 to 29) are especially vulnerable.

 

Clearly, sleep deprivation can have disastrous consequences in terms of auto accidents, but it has a lot of other effects on young people. The National Sleep Foundation describes some of the consequences of sleep deprivation, including:

 

  • Reduced ability to learn, listen, and solve problems
  • Potential memory lapses
  • Skin problems such as pimples
  • Moodiness or bad temperedness with family, friends, and teachers
  • Excessive or unhealthy eating, leading to weight gain
  • Poor judgment and unsafe behaviors
  • Frequent colds and viruses.

So how much sleep is enough sleep for a young person? According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need about 8.5 to 9.5 hours a night. To develop good sleep habits, the National Sleep Foundation recommends:

 

  • Making sleep a priority and keeping a sleep diary.
  • Avoiding naps that are too long or too close to bedtime.
  • Keeping the bedroom cool, quiet, and dark.
  • Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.
  • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule: going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.
  • Avoiding exercise and food within a few hours of bedtime.
  • Getting time to wind by completing homework early and avoiding television, the computer, and the phone in the hour before bed.
  • Keeping to-do lists to avoid worry and stress when the lights go out.

Here are some more helpful links related to sleep deprivation:

 

  • The National Sleep Foundation has lots of articles and resources for improving teen (and adult) sleeping habits, as well as a search tool for sleep professionals and an online community.
  • KidsHealth.org provides a teen perspective on sleep: what it does for you, what happens when you don’t get enough, and how to improve your sleeping habits.
  • The American Psychological Association summarizes new research into teen sleep patterns.

 

These resources are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to replace professional medical, health, or legal advice.   Please consult your doctor, mental health professional or lawyer for advice that is specific to your needs.  SCC, its officers, directors, staff and attorneys hereby disclaim any responsibility for, or any liability resulting from, the use of these resources.