introduction about sleep deprivation essay

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Sleep Deprivation, Essay Example

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Introduction

In this discussion some important aspects of sleep deprivation will be highlighted. They include explorations into the effects of sleep deprivation; when someone becomes tired what are the consequences, how it will affect one’s sleeping pattern, some causes of sleep disturbances and how to improve the quality of sleep.

Development

Lack of sleep affects the body in many ways yet people allow themselves to be deprived of it. Ten serious consequences of sleep deprivation include the potential of getting into accidents, which could cause loss of life along with those of others. Studies show where people who work in factories tend to become injured due to sleep loss. With respect to danger on the body lack of sleep first manifests as thinking difficulties, which contribute to accidents. Essentially, people are less alert because energy levels fall. The body needs sleep to build red blood cells. This is responsible for many effects of sleep deprivation on the body. Sleep cycles are important for replenishing mental energy. Besides, concentrating and learning is impaired (Smith, Robinson, & Segal, 2011).

Among other adverse effects on the body are the risks for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, irregular heart rhythm along with loss of sexual appetite. Studies show that 90% of persons with sleep deprivation ultimately suffer from insomnia, which leads to depression and an aging skin tone. Later the reaction could lead to either weight loss or excessive weight gain. More importantly, studies reveal that lack of sleep hastens death through cardio vascular disease (Pilcher & Huffcutt, 2015).

Tiredness severely affects the desire to sleep. Scientists have defined perpetual tiredness as chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers are aware that fatigue and tiredness do affect sleep desire, but distinct characteristic relating the two variables have not been clearly understood. The body’s sleep mechanism requires some measure of relaxation of body and mind. When someone is tired the body and mind are tense and the mechanism required to activate sleep is inhibited. This is why doctors prescribe tranquilizers to initiate sleep in cases when tiredness overtakes the individual (Pilcher & Huffcutt, 2015).

One cause of sleep deprivation is alcohol consumption. Scientists contend that the glass of wine some people think that they need before going to bed can be very dangerous. The initial effect of alcohol might be the desire to sleep, but after that feeling subsides the sleep difficulty emerges. Scientists contend that the body breaks down alcohol as any substance it receives. As this happens the initial stimulating effect rebounds preventing deeper stages of sleep to occur. Bedtime snack is another reason for preventing sleep. When the stomach is supposed to rest a bed time snack causes it to work producing tiredness and withholding sleep (Pilcher & Huffcutt, 2015).

The question is now asked what can be done to improve sleep qualities. They range from therapies to medication depending on the underlying cause of sleep loss. Some peope just feel compelled not to sleep thinking that either they are disturbed. Others have trained themselves into a routine of taking less than the required amount needed for their bodies. These persons would require therapeutic interventions (Graci & Hardie, 2007). Others who are deprived due to pain or depression would need medication in resolving the problem. Besides, it is advised to avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, which inhibit sleep or limit your exposure to toxic chemicals (Ramakrishnan & Scheid, 2007).

Graci, G., & Hardie, J. (2007). Evidenced-Based Hypnotherapy for the Management of Sleep Disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 55 (3): 288–302

Ramakrishnan, K., & Scheid, D. (2007). Treatment options for insomnia. American family physician 76 (4): 517–526

Smith, M. Robinson, L., & Segal, R. (2011). Sleep Disorders and Sleeping Problems. NINDS Narcolepsy .

Pilcher, J., & Huffcutt, A (2015). Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Sleep , 19(4); 12 -22.

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Sleep Deprivation

What is sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation means you’re not getting enough sleep. For most adults, the amount of sleep needed for best health is 7 to 8 hours each night.

When you get less sleep than that, as many people do, it can eventually lead to many health problems. These can include forgetfulness, being less able to fight off infections, and even mood swings and depression.

What causes sleep deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is not a specific disease. It's usually the result of other illnesses or from life circumstances.

Sleep deprivation is becoming more common. Many people try to adjust their schedule to get as much done as possible, and sleep is sacrificed.

Sleep deprivation also becomes a greater problem as people grow older. Older adults probably need as much sleep as younger adults, but they typically sleep more lightly. They also sleep for shorter time spans than younger people. Half of all people older than 65 have frequent sleeping problems.

Sleep deprivation can occur for a number of reasons:

Sleep disorder. These include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome.
Aging. People older than 65 have trouble sleeping because of aging, medicine they’re taking, or health problems they’re having.
Illness. Sleep deprivation is common with depression, schizophrenia, chronic pain syndrome, cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer disease.
Other factors. Many people have occasional sleep deprivation for other reasons. These include stress, a change in schedule, or a new baby disrupting their sleep schedule.

What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation?

At first, sleep deprivation may cause minor symptoms. But over time, these symptoms can become more serious.

Early sleep deprivation symptoms may include:

Inability to concentrate
Memory problems
Less physical strength
Less ability to fight off infections

Sleep deprivation problems over time may include:

Increased risk for depression and mental illness
Increased risk for stroke and asthma attack
Increased risk for potentially life-threatening problems. These include car accidents, and untreated sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.
Hallucinations
Severe mood swings

How is sleep deprivation diagnosed?

Sleep specialists say that one of the telltale signs of sleep deprivation is feeling drowsy during the day. In fact, even if a task is boring, you should be able to stay alert during it if you are not sleep-deprived. If you often fall asleep within 5 minutes of lying down, then you likely have severe sleep deprivation. People with sleep deprivation also have “microsleeps.” These are brief periods of sleep during waking time. In many cases, sleep-deprived people may not even be aware that they are having these microsleeps.

If you have any of these warning signs listed above, see your doctor or ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. Your doctor will ask you detailed questions to get a better sense of the nature of your sleeping problems.

In some cases, if your doctor thinks you have a more serious and possibly life-threatening sleep disorder such sleep apnea, then the sleep specialist may do a test called a sleep study (polysomnography). This test actually monitors your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs during an entire night of sleep. It gives the sleep specialist useful information to help diagnose and treat your underlying disorder.

How is sleep deprivation treated?

Treatments for sleep deprivation vary based on how severe it is. In some cases, your doctor may want you to try self-care methods before turning to medicine. Your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills. But keep in mind that they tend to work less well after a few weeks. They can actually disrupt your sleep. Sometime insomnia is caused by an adjustment in your body clock. This is called a circadian rhythm disorder. For this, your doctor may have you try light therapy. It can help your body’s internal clock readjust and allow you to sleep more restfully.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a special breathing machine to use while you sleep. It's called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This machine gives you a continuous flow of air through a mask. This help keep your airway open.

Can sleep deprivation be prevented?

If your sleep deprivation is mild, these simple strategies may help you to get a better night’s sleep:

Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes each day, at least 5 to 6 hours before going to bed. This will make you more likely to fall asleep later in the day.
Don't use substances that contain caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. Any of these can disrupt your regular sleep patterns. Quitting smoking is always a good idea.

How to manage sleep deprivation

Creating a relaxing bedtime routine often helps conquer sleep deprivation and give you a good night’s sleep. This can include taking a warm bath, reading, or meditating. Let your mind drift peacefully to sleep. But don't eat a large meal just before bed. It can make it hard to sleep.

Another step that may help you to get a good night’s sleep is sticking to a consistent schedule. This, means that you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If possible, waking up with the sun is a good way to reset your body’s clock more naturally.

Also keep your bedroom at a reasonable temperature. A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can disrupt sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try doing something else like reading a book for a few minutes. The anxiety of not being able to fall asleep can actually make sleep deprivation worse for some people.

Finally, see a doctor if your problems with sleep deprivation continue. Don’t let sleep problems linger.

Key points about sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is not a specific disease. It's usually the result of other illnesses or life circumstances.
Sleep deprivation can become a greater problem as people grow older.
One of the telltale signs of sleep deprivation is feeling drowsy during the day.
Treatments for sleep deprivation vary based on how severe it is.
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine often helps to conquer sleep deprivation and get a good night’s sleep.
The anxiety of not being able to fall asleep can actually make sleep deprivation worse for some people.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Choose a doctor and schedule an appointment.

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Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem (2006)

Chapter: 1 introduction, 1 introduction.

“Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of care, The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath, Balm of hurt minds, great Nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast.” Shakespeare, Macbeth

CHAPTER SUMMARY The public health burden of chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders is immense. Although clinical activities and scientific opportunities in the field are expanding, awareness among the general public and health care professionals is low, given the burden. The available workforce of health care providers is not sufficient to diagnose and treat individuals with sleep disorders. Therefore, the current situation necessitates a larger and more interdisciplinary workforce to meet health care demands as well as advance the field’s knowledge base. Further, there is a need to develop and reorganize public health and academic sleep programs to facilitate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness in public awareness, training, research, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep loss and sleep disorders. Finally, the fragmentation of research and clinical care currently present in most academic institutions requires the creation of accredited interdisciplinary sleep programs in academic institutions. The success of existing comprehensive academic Somnology and Sleep Medicine Programs offers evidence of the value of interdisciplinary approaches to patient care, education, research training, faculty development, and science. An interdisciplinary approach requires the coordinated and integrated effort of not only the major medical fields involved in sleep clinical care (internal medicine and its relevant subspecialties, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and otolaryngology) but also other disciplines such as neuroscience, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacology.

MAGNITUDE AND COST OF THE PROBLEM

Fitful sleep, restless nights, hitting the alarm clock button for an additional 10 minutes of sleep—all are all too familiar manifestations of the interactions of life with one of the frontiers of science and clinical practice—somnology 1 and sleep medicine. It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic disorder of sleep and wakefulness (NHLBI, 2003), hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting health. The current capacity of America’s health system is not sufficient to diagnose and treat all individuals with sleep disorders. Further, awareness among health care professionals and the general public is low considering the size of the problem. Among those individuals with sleep disorders are 3 to 4 million individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (Young et al., 1993), a disorder characterized by brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing caused by airway obstruction with morbid or fatal consequences. Chronic insomnia, which hampers a person’s ability to fall asleep, is observed in approximately 10 percent of the American population (Ford and Kamerow, 1989; Simon and VonKorff, 1997; Roth and Ancoli-Israel, 1999). Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are neurological conditions characterized by nocturnal limb movements and an irresistible urge to move the legs. These conditions affect approximately 5 percent of the general population (Lavigne and Montplaisir, 1994; Rothdach et al., 2000; NSF, 2000; Montplaisir et al., 2005), making it one of the most common movement disorders (Montplaisir et al., 2005).

The negative public health consequences of sleep loss and sleep-related disorders are enormous. Some of the most devastating human and environmental health disasters have been partially attributed to fatigue-related performance failures, 2 sleep loss, and night shift work-related performance failures, including the tragedy at the Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India; the nuclear reactor meltdowns at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl; and the grounding of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker (NCSDR, 1994; Moss and Sills, 1981; United States Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources, 1986; USNRC, 1987; Dinges et al., 1989). Each of these incidents not only cost millions of dollars but also had a disastrous impact on the environment and the health of local communities.

Over the past century, the average amount of time that Americans sleep has decreased by around 20 percent (NCSDR, 1994). Further, 1 out of every 5 workers in industrialized countries (well over 20 million Americans [OTA, 1991]) perform shift-work, which requires them to work at night and attempt to sleep during the daytime hours (AASM, 2005). These reversed sleep patterns cause maladjustment of circadian rhythms that often lead to sleep disruption. Americans are working more hours or multiple jobs and spending more time watching television and using the Internet, resulting in later sleep times and less sleep.

The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, and stroke. In addition, sleep loss and sleep disorders have a significant economic impact. Billions of dollars a year are spent on direct medical costs associated with doctor visits, hospital services, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications (NCSDR, 1994). Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with chronic sleep loss are less productive, have health care needs greater than the norm, and have an increased likelihood of injury; for example, it is estimated that there are 110,000 sleep-related injuries and 5,000 fatalities each year in motor vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks (CNTS, 1996).

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

For centuries, sleep and dreams have long been topics of immense interest; however, the modern scientific study of sleep began relatively recently. In 1937 an electroencephalograph was used for the first time to observe the electrical activity in the brain during nonrapid eye movement sleep (Loomis et al., 1937). This opened the field to further advances. Rapid eye movement (REM) was discovered in 1953 by Kleitman and colleagues, and its correlation with dreams was a major step forward in understanding sleep physiology (Aserinsky and Kleitman, 1953). The culmination of this work came in 1957 when Dement and Kleitman defined the stages of sleep (see Chapter 2 of this report) (Dement and Kleitman, 1957). Since the 1950s a convergence of findings from many fields (e.g., neurology, pulmonology, neuroscience, psychiatry, otolaryngology, anatomy, and physiology) have led to a greater understanding of sleep as a basic universal biological process that affects the functioning of many organ systems (Shepard et al., 2005). In 1989, a seminal study demonstrated that rats that were subjected to total sleep deprivation developed skin lesions, experienced weight loss in spite of increased food intake, developed bacterial infections, and died within 2 to 3 weeks (Rechtschaffen et al., 1989). Researchers in sleep and circadian biology continue to work toward a greater understanding of the

etiology and pathophysiology of sleep disorders. The field is maturing into an interdisciplinary field in which integration and coordination across the traditional medical specialties, other health care providers (e.g. nurses, dentists), and between basic and clinical science is vital.

GROWTH OF SOMNOLOGY AND SLEEP MEDICINE

The maturation of the study of sleep and the field of Somnology and Sleep Medicine ( Box 1-1 ) has seen the establishment of many organizations devoted to promoting public awareness, ensuring quality care for individuals who suffer from chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders, and supporting education and research endeavors. In addition to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), professional societies and foundations have been established, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the Sleep Research Society, the American Sleep Apnea Association, the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, and the National Sleep Foundation

The field of somnology and sleep medicine has been marked by a number of milestones over the last 35 years. Sleep laboratories dedicated to the evaluation and management of sleep disorders have been established. In 1970, sleep disorders were evaluated at only a handful of sleep laboratories in the world. In 2001, there were close to 1,300 sleep laboratories in the United States (Tachibana et al., 2005). Membership in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society and participation at the annual meeting of the American Professional Sleep Societies has continued to increase. In 2005 sleep medicine was recognized as a medical subspecialty by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

CHALLENGES IN ADVANCING THE STUDY OF SLEEP DISORDERS

Coordinating research and research funding.

Integrating and coordinating the efforts of the many relevant institutes and centers at the NIH presents many challenges related to funding and advancing somnology research. For example, it has recently been recognized that restless legs syndrome (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) and sleep apnea (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) may be a major cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Mental Health) and other behavioral problems (Chervin et al., 2002). The National Institute on Aging is interested in the increase in sleep

and wake disruption during senescence. Insomnia is typically treated using behavioral therapy techniques (Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research) and is often comorbid with depression, eating disorders, and other mental disorders (National Institute of Mental Health). Drugs of abuse, including alcohol and stimulants (National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism), have major effects on sleep and are often used to treat underlying sleep problems such as insomnia or narcolepsy. Sleep apnea research and therapy cuts across a number of disciplines, including nursing (National Institute of Nursing Research), dentistry and otolaryngology (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research), surgery, neurology (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), cardiology, and pulmonary medicine (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). At the basic research level, somnology research often involves multiple disciplines such as genetics (National Human Genome Research Institute), environmental sciences (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), epidemiology, immunology (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), endocrinology (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), neurosciences (National

Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Mental Health, National Eye Institute), and otolaryngology (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders).

Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee

To facilitate an interchange of information on somnology research the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee was formed in 1986. The coordinating committee consists of representatives from 13 NIH institutes and centers and meets quarterly to discuss current sleep-related activities in the NIH and to develop new programs.

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

In 1993 the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute established the NCSDR. As described in the congressional language, the mission of the NCSDR is the “conduct and support of biomedical and related research and research training, the dissemination of health information, and the conduct of other programs with respect to various sleep disorders, the basic understanding of sleep, biological and circadian rhythm research, chronobiology, and other sleep related research” 3 (see Appendix D ).

The function of the NCSDR and the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee are intertwined. The director of the NCSDR serves as Chair of the Coordinating Committee. Further, the NCSDR is responsible for coordinating the information collected by individual institutions for the Coordinating Committee’s annual report; including sleep related activities, initiatives, and funding of sleep-related activities.

NIH funding for somnology research has increased by more than 150 percent since the NCSDR became fully operational in 1996, reaching a total of $196.2 million (0.07 percent of the NIH budget) in fiscal year 2004 (NHLBI, 2003). However, this growth occurred during the same period that the overall budget to the NIH doubled, and currently NIH funding for sleep-related activities is reaching a plateau. In 2004, for the first time since the NCSDR was established, there was a decrease in annual NIH expenditures for sleep-related projects; there were fewer research project grants funded in 2004, and the number of new grants awarded also decreased (see Appendix G ). Consequently, the future outlook for somnology and sleep medicine is unclear. This presents an even greater challenge for a field that requires growth in its scientific workforce and technology.

Increasing the Numbers of Trained Researchers and Clinicians

New investigators and clinicians knowledgeable about sleep-related research and clinical care are needed. The growth of the discipline in terms of clinical volume has not been reflected in a corresponding increase in the number of clinical and basic sleep researchers. In the spring of 2005 there were 781 American members of the Sleep Research Society, a number representing the majority of individuals performing sleep-related research. There are only 253 principal investigators who work on sleep-related research. There are 151 researchers involved primarily in clinical sleep research, and 126 focus primarily on basic research projects. In 2004, of the top 30 academic institutions that received the greatest number of grants from the NIH, less than half had career development and training awards in somnology and sleep medicine, and only 17 had NIH-sponsored fellowships that were sleep related. Between the years 2000 and 2004, the NIH increased its support of sleep-related training and fellowship grants; however, during this same period there was a decrease in the number of career development awards. Over the same period, the number of academic institutions receiving sleep-related career development awards also decreased. Therefore, creating an infrastructure to develop a workforce capable of meeting the clinical and scientific demand remains a major challenge.

Time devoted in medical school curriculum to sleep medicine is limited. The percentage of medical schools that include sleep disorders in their curriculums has risen modestly from 54 percent in 1978 (Orr et al., 1980) to 63 percent in 1993, but the time devoted averages only 2.11 hours (Rosen et al., 1998). Similar analysis has not recently been performed, but there is no evidence to suggest that medical schools are placing increased emphasis on sleep-related content in their curriculums. Clearly, the educational effort is still inadequate given the magnitude of the morbid effects that sleep loss and sleep disorders have on the most common diseases (e.g., obesity, hypertension, heart attack, and diabetes). In response to this perceived shortcoming in sleep education, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute supported a series of grants (K07 funding mechanism) to develop model medical school curricula. This resulted in the establishment of MEDSleep, a collection of over 75 sleep education tools and products (AASM, 2005). Although this program generated a large number of resources, it is unclear how many of them have been used and implemented. Despite these advances, physician education regarding the recognition, diagnosis, management, and treatment of sleep disorders is still inadequate (Strohl et al., 2003; Owens, 2005).

To strengthen the interdisciplinary aspects of the field it is important to attract new investigators to the field and expand the number of trained somnology scientists in other relevant and related disciplines. These areas

include, but are not limited to, biology and health informatics, health service research, nursing, epidemiology and genetic epidemiology, clinical trials, functional imaging, genetics, pathology, neurosciences, and molecular biology.

Distribution of Resources and Technology Development

Today, the capacity needed to serve the population seeking diagnosis and treatment is inadequate. Analysis commissioned on behalf of the committee indicated that in many health care systems and communities, the waiting time for a polysomnogram, the procedure used to diagnose many sleep disorders, may be as much as 10 weeks (see Chapter 9 ). This shortfall will worsen as awareness of the clinical consequences and public health burden of sleep disorders increases. A substantial investment is needed to enlarge the clinical and research workforce and improve the technology for diagnosis and treatment. Ambulatory diagnostic technologies currently available need to be validated. Further, there is a need for improved treatments for individuals with chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders. For example, the most common treatment for sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy, which requires an individual to wear a mask over the face while sleeping, has a low rate of compliance, between 45 to 70 percent (Kribbs et al., 1993).

There are approximately 1,300 sleep laboratories in the United States, 39 percent of which are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (Tachibana et al., 2005). However, millions of individuals suffering from sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated (Young et al., 1997; Kapur et al., 2002). The utilization and capacity of sleep laboratories is not distributed based on the prevalence of sleep disorders (Tachibana et al., 2005). Apart from creating new sleep centers and laboratories, developing and validating reliable portable diagnostic technologies is required to meet the demand that will arise from greater awareness among the general public (see Chapter 6 ).

SOMNOLOGY AND SLEEP MEDICINE RESEARCH IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

The division of a university and medical school into academic departments is based upon distinct clinical and graduate training programs. Many of the most promising new lines of academic research and the most effective clinical services depend on strong, interdisciplinary programs that emerge from the knowledge base of the more traditional disciplines (CFAT, 2001). Unfortunately, the organization of academic disciplines among the schools and colleges does not effectively support existing interdisciplinary programs

or those that could be created (Ehrenberg and Epifantseva, 2001; Thursby and Thursby, 2002).

Somnology and Sleep Medicine Is an Interdisciplinary Field

The field of Somnology and Sleep Medicine is an emerging interdisciplinary field that is being forged from several existing sciences and medical specialties. However, the current organization of academic health centers houses clinicians and scientists in discrete departments that do not favor interdisciplinary research efforts. Although the scientific enterprise of the field requires interdisciplinary strategies, the clinical service of patients is multidisciplinary and requires linkages to other medical specialties.

As described in the National Academy of Sciences (2004) report Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research:

Interdisciplinary research is a mode of research performed by teams or individuals that integrates information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline or field of research practice ( Figure 1-1A ).

Multidisciplinary research is taken to mean research that involves more than a single discipline in which each discipline makes a separate contribution. Investigators may share facilities and research approaches while working separately on distinct aspects of a problem ( Figure 1-1B ) (NAS, 2004).

There are a wide range of programs in Somnology and Sleep Medicine. Some are solely clinical in nature; others are clinical programs that include training of physicians and some research. There are also a limited number of comprehensive programs that emphasize clinical care education and training, as well as basic and clinical research. With few exceptions most programs continue to be not integrated and embedded in medical departments. This organization has many adverse implications for the field; including:

Clinical training in sleep loss and sleep disorders is often limited to those in the department where the program is housed to the exclusion of others.

The absence of interdisciplinary clinical teams hinders patient care.

A limited sense of identity with, or focus on the field, and an absence of an established career path for faculty makes it difficult to attract new students, researchers, and clinicians into the field.

introduction about sleep deprivation essay

FIGURE 1-1 Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.

SOURCE: National Academy of Sciences, 2004.

Research or clinical funds generated from sleep-related activities are not generally reinvested to enhance sleep programs.

Collaboration can be more difficult because researchers and clinicians are geographically dispersed.

Sleep Loss and Sleep Disorders Require Long-Term Patient Care and Chronic Disease Management

Sleep disorders are chronic conditions necessitating complex treatments. They are frequently comorbid with other sleep disorders and other conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, depression, or diabetes), which, by themselves, are complex to treat. Despite the importance of early recognition and treatment, the primary focus of most existing sleep centers is on diagnosis, rather than on comprehensive care of sleep loss and sleep disorders as chronic conditions. The narrow focus of sleep centers may largely be the unintended result of accreditation criteria, which emphasize diagnostic standards and reimbursement for the diagnostic testing (see Chapter 9 ).

SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THIS REPORT

Increased public education and greater awareness of the burden of sleep loss and sleep disorders as well as scientific advances have poised the field of somnology and sleep medicine for great strides. In 2003 the NCSDR published a set of research priorities for the field. However, advances will require an organized strategy to increase and coordinate efforts in training and educating the public, researchers, and clinicians, as well as improved infrastructure and funding for this endeavor.

Recognizing the need to develop a new coordinated strategy to improve public awareness and strengthen the field of Somnology and Sleep Medicine, the NCSDR at the NIH, along with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, and the Sleep Research Society, requested that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) conduct a study that would examine: (1) the public health significance of sleep, sleep loss, and sleep disorders, (2) gaps in the public health system and adequacy of the current resources and infrastructures for addressing the gaps, (3) barriers and opportunities for improving interdisciplinary research and medical education and training in the area of sleep and sleep medicine, and (4) develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing sleep medicine and sleep research ( Box 1-2 ).

The IOM appointed a 14-member committee with expertise in academic and medical administration, adolescent medicine, cardiology, epidemiology, geriatrics, health sciences research, neurology, nursing, otolaryngology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and pulmonology. The committee met five times during the course of its work and held two workshops that provided input on the current public health burden of sleep loss and chronic sleep disorders and the organization and operation of various types of academic sleep programs.

Chapter 2 of this report describes the basic biology and physiology of sleep and circadian rhythms. Chapter 3 introduces the primary sleep disorders and their associated health burdens, and Chapter 4 describes their impact on an individual’s performance and associated economic impact. Chapter 5 provides an overview of the barriers to providing optimal patient care, including the lack of public and professional education. Chapter 6 highlights the need for greater capacity to diagnose and treat individuals with sleep loss and sleep disorders. In Chapter 7 , the committee examines the education and training programs for students, scientists, and health care professionals. Chapter 8 discusses the current investment by the NIH and the NCSDR and the potential role of a national somnology and sleep medicine research network for advancing therapeutic interventions for sleep loss and sleep disorders. Chapter 9 highlights the infrastructure of the field and proposes recommendations for developing academic programs in somnology and sleep medicine.

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Clinical practice related to sleep problems and sleep disorders has been expanding rapidly in the last few years, but scientific research is not keeping pace. Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome are three examples of very common disorders for which we have little biological information. This new book cuts across a variety of medical disciplines such as neurology, pulmonology, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, otolaryngology, and nursing, as well as other medical practices with an interest in the management of sleep pathology. This area of research is not limited to very young and old patients—sleep disorders reach across all ages and ethnicities. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation presents a structured analysis that explores the following:

Improving awareness among the general public and health care professionals.
Increasing investment in interdisciplinary somnology and sleep medicine research training and mentoring activities.
Validating and developing new and existing technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

This book will be of interest to those looking to learn more about the enormous public health burden of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation and the strikingly limited capacity of the health care enterprise to identify and treat the majority of individuals suffering from sleep problems.

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Sleep Deprivation - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual gets less sleep than they need to feel awake and alert. Essays on this topic could explore the causes and effects of sleep deprivation, including its impact on cognitive functions, physical health, and mental wellbeing. They might also delve into the societal factors contributing to sleep deprivation, strategies for promoting better sleep hygiene, or the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Sleep Deprivation you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Psychological Effects of Sleep Deprivation Due to School Start Times

The two reasons people sleep include restoration and preservation, that is why sleep is crucial for a persons health and well-being. School is starting to early for adolescents which is leading them to have many mental problems. Adolescents and young adults are more vulnerable to these negative effects because they are going through a major life transition, they are experiencing a large amount of brain development and growth around this time (Wahlstrom, 2003). Some adverse effects of sleep deprivation include […]

Should School Start Later in the Morning

It is no surprise that teenagers across the country are struggling with the farcical school-day schedule that begins with waking up at 6 a.m. and ends with rushing to finish homework at 11 p.m. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least 9 ½ hours of sleep. Sleep- deprivation, substandard performance in school, and stress can all be attributed to the disparity between the recommended amount of sleep and the reality of what adolescents are getting. While it […]

Benefits of Starting School Later

Waking up before 6 in general- for most people is dreadful, so imagine being up at 7:00 to sit in a classroom. Fighting to get out of bed early in the morning is a hassle for a lot of people. School starting times are way too early and should be changed to a later times because students are affected negatively by these start time. This would promote focus and improve student performance and behavior. By going to the UCPS board […]

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Excessive Use of Social Media and its Effect

INTRODUCTION Social media was first introduced in around 1979 when Usenet was launched; Usenet was the first recorded network that allowed users to post news to newsgroups (Fetos, Les, & Angelina, 2018). Ever since then, social media boomed to have around 3.5 billion users, most of which are adolescents around the ages of 10 to 19 (Esteban, 2019). The recent rise in social media has allowed for a much easier means of communicating and connecting with others; however, it poses […]

Teaching Times for Secondary Schools

Kids and teens shouldn’t wake up for school at 5:30 to 6:30 and have to arrive and start their day by 7:30. Waking up early comes with a lot of different affects on adolescents: Sleep deprivation puts teenagers into a kind of perpetual cloud or haze. “According to the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study, 93% of high schools and 83% of middle schools in the U.S. started before 8:30 a.m. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that […]

Sleep Deprivation in Modern Society: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

In the bustling landscape of contemporary existence, the significance of a good night's sleep often dwindles amidst the ceaseless demands of modern living. The prevalence of sleep deprivation in today's fast-paced society has surged to concerning heights, ushering in a plethora of repercussions for individuals and communities alike. Delving into the intricate tapestry of causes, consequences, and potential remedies for this pervasive issue unveils a complex narrative, ripe with challenges and opportunities for transformative change. The origins of sleep deprivation […]

Sleep Deprivation: Impact on Cognitive Function and Decision Making

Sleep deprivation has become an insidious intruder in our lives, stealthily creeping into our bedrooms and stealing away our precious hours of rest. In a world that never sleeps, where digital screens glow incessantly and deadlines loom ominously, the value of a good night's sleep is often underestimated. Yet, the repercussions of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and decision-making are profound and far-reaching, casting a shadow over our ability to think clearly and act wisely. The brain, that intricate network […]

The Wide Awake Problem: Understanding Sleep Deprivation

In our non-stop world, sleep deprivation has emerged as a silent epidemic, touching the lives of millions. Far from being a badge of honor for the overworked and overcommitted, lack of sleep carries significant consequences for mental, physical, and emotional health. This essay explores the myriad causes and contributing factors of sleep deprivation, ranging from lifestyle choices and work demands to medical conditions, environmental factors, and societal pressures. At the core of sleep deprivation are lifestyle choices. The modern penchant […]

When Night Falls: the Tangled Web of Sleep and Mental Well-Being

Ever tossed and turned through the night, only to wake up feeling like you're dragging your brain through a fog? You're not alone. It turns out, the battle for mental health often starts on the battlefield of our beds. This isn't just about feeling groggy after a late-night Netflix binge; it's about how chronic sleep deprivation can be a puppet master to our mental well-being, pulling strings behind the scenes of conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Let's […]

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Home / Essay Samples / Health / Mental Health / Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation Essay Examples

Effects of sleeping disorders and quality sleep on mental health.

Sleep is a fundamental biological function that plays a crucial role in maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, many individuals experience sleeping disorders, which can have a profound impact on their overall health and quality of life. Understanding sleeping disorders and recognizing the...

Child's Sleep Difficulties and Theirs Solutions

My writing is called an essay about sleep problems that can appear in children and here I will share how they can be solved with a help of practitioners. If a child is having difficulties sleeping, then this can have an impact on both the...

Sleep Deprivation and the Importance of Naps for University Survival

I’d like to be a part of the Guild Press to increase my Confidence and Sense of Responsibility- for instance, numerous individuals discover it nerve-wracking to begin a discussion with an outsider and see articles they've composed be printed and dispersed to individuals they know....

Smart Devices, Mental Health and Lack of Sleep

The importance to do a study on sleep and mobile devices is to look at the long term effects of LED smart devices on sleep, physical and mental health. Is there a need for further funding for research, intervention programs and/or medical disorders related to...

The Factors Influencing the Quality of Sleep of Call Center Workers

There are several factors may affect the quality of sleep among call center agents. It may be work life, lifestyle, or current predicaments. These factors are possibly the reason for the occurrence of sleep deprivation which in turn negatively affects the individual’s overall health status....

The Negative Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation has been a rising concern among clinicians, as more and more people are getting less sleep which causes harm on their health and quality of life (Lamberg, 2004). A study by the National Sleep Foundation (2015) suggested that adults in the US nowadays...

Problems Arise from a Luck of Sleep

In a 1959-60 survey from the American Cancer Society, two percent of adults slept six or less hours of sleep on a normal night. Fast forward to 2004, the same survey researched by the National Health Interview showed that the number grew to 30%. An...

How Watching Too Much Tv Hinders Your Sleep

When the morning comes, you wake up. When the night comes, you sleep. You've been doing this pattern all your life that you didn't give much thought about the sleep-wake cycle of a person. Until you have sleeping problems. And you're reading this right now...

The Connection Between Sleep Deprivation and Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant mothers have one of the most important jobs available in the natural world. These women are the individuals that are currently responsible for bringing new life into the world. The roles of these women extend to greater lengths than most people realize. Recently in...

How We Can Influence on Sleep Diabetes Problem

As the policy advisor to the Minister of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the following briefing note aims to advise on the sugar tax policy borrowing from the Mexican experience in regulating diabetes in the public health sector. By emulating on the lessons...

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