Sleep is a vital factor for the health and well being of every person. Every individual has a different sleep pattern and some can function on less sleep than others. For most adults, an average of 8 hours of sleep per night is a necessity, while others function just as well on 6 hours of sleep. It is recommended that an adult should get between 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to keep their body healthy and functioning well.
Some health symptoms that are caused by sleep deprivation include apathy, memory loss, moodiness, and decreased responsiveness. Studies show that a lack of sleep for long periods over 24 hours can increase a person's resting heart rate and inhibit normal growth patterns. As we sleep, our bodies produce a growth hormone, so for growing children and teenagers, sleep deprivation can deter normal growth. Lack of sleep has also been linked to problems with metabolism and weight gain. Sleep deprivation has also been found to be a factor in more serious health problems because it lowers the immune system, causing a lack of activity in our bodies cells that is needed to ward off diseases.
Almost everyone has experienced trouble falling or staying asleep for one reason or another. One of the main causes of sleep deprivation on a short term basis is stress. Being deprived of a few hours of sleep during a week is not a serious problem, and will result in the body not functioning at its usual levels. Prolonged sleep deprivation can have serious side effects for a person's health and well being. Getting a good night's sleep is just as important to our health as a nutritious diet and ample exercise.
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