The Need for Sleep

The+Need+for+Sleep

How much sleep do you get at night?

Sleeping is an active period in which a lot of important processing, restoration and strengthening occurs. When you are asleep, your brain will cycle repeatedly through two different types of sleep. They are Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. 

Sleeping requirements can vary slightly from person to person. The average amount of sleep that teenagers are getting is around seven hours.  However, teens really need between 9-10 hours.    

According to Healthline.com:

  • A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health.
  • Poor sleep can make you gain weight
  • Good sleepers tend to eat fewer calories:)
  • Good sleep can improve concentration and productivity.
  • Good sleep can maximize athletic performance
  • Poor sleepers have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Sleep affects glucose metabolism and Type II diabetes risk.
  • Poor sleep is linked to depression.

Annika Hardy is a senior who never goes to sleep early. “I never go to sleep before 9PM and am definitely a heavy sleeper. I don’t get up at all at night to do things.”

Once the human body falls asleep, some things about sleep can be pretty interesting. 

  • The record for the longest period without sleep is 11 days.
  • Humans spend one third of their life sleeping.
  • 1.12% of people dream entirely in black and white.
  • Two thirds of a cat’s life is spent asleep.
  • Ideally, falling asleep at night should take you 10-15 minutes
  • Within five minutes of waking up, 50% of your dream is forgotten.

Kayla Clayworth is a sophomore who usually sleeps for around eight hours.  She also takes naps during the day if she gets tired. “When I get tired, I sometimes take naps for around three to four hours.”

However, there are some things that you can do to get a good night’s sleep.

  • Increase bright light exposure during the day.
  • Reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
  • Don’t consume caffeine late in the day.
  • Reduce irregular or long daytime naps.
  • Try to sleep and wake at consistent times.
  • Don’t drink alcohol.
  • Optimize your bedroom environment.
  • Set your bedroom temperature.
  • Don’t eat late in the evening.
  • Relax and clear your mind in the evening.

As humans, we need to realize how important sleep is in our everyday lives. It affects the way we perform, the way we act and how we respond to others. Be more aware of your evenings and prepare your body and mind to wind down. Sweet dreams, everyone.