Do We Need Sleep - 1051 Words

What exactly goes on in the brain during sleep? Nerve-signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters, control whether we are asleep or awake by acting on different groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. Neurons in the brainstem, which connects the brain with the spinal cord, produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine that keep some parts of the brain active while we are awake (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm). So why do we need sleep? Sleep is important to the essence of every person. Sleep offers the brain an opportunity to sort through new and old information, to find solutions to problems, and to archive memories. One of the essential roles of sleep is to help us solidify and centralize our memories. As we go about our day, our brains take in a very large amount of information. This information is not directly recorded, it’s rather that these facts and experiences first must be processed and stored; and mos t of this processing happens while we sleep. The brain reinforces memory and categorizes everything learned and removes any useless information. This paper will cover how lack of sleep can be detrimental to a person. The primary symptoms of sleep deprivation that will be discussed are dangerous health issues such as cognitive dysfunction, weight gain and physical health. The central nervous system is the information highway of the human body. To keep it functional sleep is a must. Sleep deprivationShow MoreRelatedWhy Do We Need Sleep?1713 Words   |  7 PagesWhy Do We Need Sleep? Typed By: Miracle Taylor Regulating sleep is something our bodies do that is as natural as eating, drinking, and breathing. This implies that sleeping serves a similar role in our health and well being. Even though it is difficult to answer the question â€Å"Why do we need sleep?† scientists have developed several theories that may explain why we spend a third of our lives sleeping. Comprehending these theories can help expand our appreciation of the functionRead MoreSleep: Why We Need It or Do We? There are many different philosophies on how much sleep the body1200 Words   |  5 PagesSleep: Why We Need It or Do We? There are many different philosophies on how much sleep the body needs or doesn’t need. Sleep has been said to be the body’s way of refueling. It allows the body to restore its mental energy (msnbc.com). The question is how much sleep does the body truly need to function? One theory pertaining to sleep is that if your body has a lack of sleep it would just adapt to less sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause us to lose our agility, cognitive, and immune responsesRead MoreThe Human Body And Body Needs Sleep835 Words   |  4 PagesTo Sleep. Everyone knows the human body needs sleep. For some people, sleep is what they enjoy most, but why do human beings need sleep? Why is the urge to collapse into the warm safety of our beds so tempting? Why are we so grumpy when we don’t get enough sleep? Sleeping isn’t only relaxing but it is also helpful to your brain and body. â€Å"We have to sleep because it is essential to maintaining normal levels of cognitive skills such as speech, memory, innovative and flexible thinking. Sleep alsoRead MoreHow Technology Affects Sleep1438 Words   |  6 PagesMany do not believe that we have a technology problem in today’s society. But, ninety-five percent of people use technology an hour before they go to sleep (How Technology Affects Sleep). This is an alarming amount of people who use technology before they go to sleep. You do not have to be looking directly at the technology to trigger the pineal gland to stop releasing melatonin (Kim). Many also believe that lack of sleep due to technology does not affect how they do their daily jobs. Seventy-fiveRead MoreSleep : Rapid Eye Movement1243 Words   |  5 Pages Sleep Jordan Maestas Mrs. Wallace English 12-5thâ€Æ' Sleep Sleep is vital for survival and is just as important to sustain life as food and water. Humans would not be able to survive without sleep. Without sleep our bodies would not get the rest needed for the necessary development and restoration. Sleep is a period of time when there is full or fractional unconsciousness and there is limited movement in our muscles. During sleep our brain and bodies get the rest that is crucial in order to performRead MoreSleep : A Condition Of Body And Mind990 Words   |  4 PagesSleep:/slÄ“p/ (noun) 1. A condition of body and mind such as that which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended (Google Search Dictionary). Humans need sleep to function. Without it, our body cannot survive physically or mentally. Sleep helps the body replenish its need for energy and leaves you feeling awake and refreshed when y ou wake up; therefore, itRead MoreThe Effects Of Sleep On Our Bodies904 Words   |  4 PagesWe all know that after a good night of sleep we feel recharged and happier, and if having gone without sleep for a while we may end up cranky and most likely cannot function correctly. But why do we feel better after waking up from a deep slumber and feel worse without sleep? Why do our bodies need to shut down for such a long period of time? Unfortunately scientists are still trying to find this answer themselves. Although through a sufficient amount of research, scientists have found out how sleepRead More Sleep, Dreams, and Our Mental and Physical Processes Essay1671 Words   |  7 PagesSleep, Dreams, and Our Mental and Physical Processes Scientists have been researching and conducting studies to discover the true meaning of sleep and dreams. Scientists have developed a few theories on whether we sleep and dream to build up our mental or physical energy. According to the author of an article in Encarta Encyclopedia, Siegel defined sleep as the natural state of rest characterized by reduced body movement and decreased awareness of surroundings (Siegel). In an article onRead MoreSleep Is Essential On A Daily Basis Essay1189 Words   |  5 Pages2016 Sleep Importance Sleep is essential on a daily basis. It allows the body to rest and replenish itself for the next day. These days, lack of sleep is a result of people not taking sleep seriously or having a lightly thought about sleep. Our sleep habits directly affect our life on a daily basis and it has an important role throughout our whole life. Not having the right amount of sleep every night can affect our mental and physical health. Having a better knowledge about what causes sleep problemsRead MoreDoes The Early Bird Really Get The Worm?983 Words   |  4 PagesSleep Does the early bird really get the worm? This has been an old time saying for many, many moons. Times are changing and many more people are starting to work/live the night life. Life is becoming more open at night as well. What is this really doing to the human body and can people functions properly being a night owl. In this paper we are going to be learning together and finding something we may have not known about. Does the early bird really get the worm? So how does the sleep cycle work