Sleep is a fascinating topic. Some
people can function with no sleep, while some cannot function without sleep. However,
there is now scientific evidence that proves that the amount of sleep and
irregularity of bedtimes can actually disrupt a persons body rhythms and cause
sleep deprivation.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who go to
bed at irregular times will disrupt their body rhythms and slow the brains
natural maturation and ability to regulate behaviors. Professor Yvonne Kelly (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health) noted
that, "Not having fixed bedtimes, accompanied by a constant sense of flux,
induces a state of body and mind akin to jet lag and this matters for healthy
development and daily functioning." In the study conducted, 10,000
children, ages 3, 5, and 7, were analyzed by collecting data on their bedtimes
and reports of any behavioral problems from both students and teachers. In the
end the clear statistical link claimed that behavior is ultimately affected by
irregular bedtimes. The lack of sleep and regular sleeping patterns can cause a
child to act out and disrupt, and have increased levels of irritability.
However, people should not be overly concerned if their child starts to
act up because of irregular sleep patterns. In the study it was also found that
changing ones sleeping habits will help reduce any behavioral problems.
Unfortunately, if irregular bedtime patterns continue—the matter will only get
worse. The longer irregular sleeping patterns occur, the worse off people can
become.
Perhaps knowing that not changing sleeping patterns can have a negative
effect is a pressing issue people should take notice of. While the people I am
surrounded by are mostly of college age, or older, I think it is still
important that they pay attention to this finding. Whether learning that
changing their own sleeping pattern will help their personality and behavioral
development, or whether acknowledging that their future children should have
regular bedtimes to help them adjust and behave in a less disruptive
manner—everyone can take away something from this study.
Irregular bedtimes are easy to come by. Society pushes kids to the
limits. More and more kids are involved in after school activities and sports
than ever before. With kids hectic schedules they may not be home and ready for
bed at the same time every night. However, it is important to maintain some
kind of stable bedtime for the majority of a child’s week. Without the proper bedtime kids circadian
rhythms (natural body rhythms) will be disrupted and lead to a slower brain
maturation and the ability to regulate their own behavior. So, why not help
benefit the future, and yourself by just taking the time to sleep properly? It
will help you be a better, happier person the next day.
To read more about this study you can visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131014093859.htm
I think it is funny that you blogged about sleep deprivation. I myself am an insomniac. I've discovered in the last month that when I've reached the highest peak of stress where I am not really "present" in class and study my ass off and then get to the tests and think I do well, but in reality I did awful, my sleep patterns during this moment of stress lets me crash immediately once I hit my bed. But then I don't have a time to process my thoughts how I usually do at night as an insomniac.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have my insomnia kick back in. I don't think the normal insomniac would be happy for it to be back, but I sure am. I know the effects of lack of sleep hours is bad for me, but it's how I function. My body has allowed itself to consume a large amount of caffeine (only coffee) and only consume about five hours of sleep a night. If I get exactly seven hours of sleep, then I can still function properly, but if I get more than seven hours of sleep I CAN NOT FUNCTION! I actually think slower and have a hard time processing things.
Some people think I'm crazy for getting so little hours of sleep and drinking so much caffeine, but it's how my body has allowed to function. I laugh at myself because I know I'll regret my insomniac problems later in life, but for the last few years it has helped me function well in academics and life.
Farewell.
I think sleep is a very interesting subject. Throughout my years my sleep patterns have fluctuated greatly, most notably when summer ended and this semester started. I went from maybe 3 hours a night to a solid 9 or 10 almost every night and believe it or not i havent felt much different. This is probably because i am nearly full grown and my brain is not developing like the children in your blog, but its still interesting to ponder how sleep patterns affect different people.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a very interesting topic. I had bed times all through out elementary, middle, and high school. I was barely ever actually in bed by that time, and at times even if I was in bed at that time, I still didn't fall asleep until hours after laying down. Many parents now days don't even give their kids a bed time anymore because of the fact that they know its almost impossible for the kids to actually get in the bed on time. But it definitely is important for everyone, kids especially, to get a good amount of sleep.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting because it relates to me. When I go to sleep earlier than I usually do, I am really tired in the morning. When I go to bed at my normal time, I am ready to go in the morning. When I was little, I had a bedtime and was never tired in the morning. It was a good thing that my mom made me go to bed by 9.
ReplyDeleteIn my memory, I can't say that my irregular sleeping patterns over the past few years have affected me much, but I can definitely see how a young child would be influenced by fluctuating bedtimes and naps. I've worked at a daycare, and those kids are usually OUT at nap time, though. So I think, to an extent, a link between irregular sleeping patterns and behavioural problems could be in reverse--behavioural problems interfering with sleeping, and in turn making those very behavioural problems worse. Just an idea.
ReplyDelete