Sleep Deprivation Essay Example Essay Example

Sleep Deprivation Essay Example Paper Sleep Deprivation Essay Introduction Our 24-hour society that wants to meet the demands of industrialization and development has caused the generation of sleep deprived people. Comparing to 1910, when the average citizen slept 9.0 and 7.5 hours a night accordingly in 1975, the data of 2002 shows that these figures have shifted to 6.9 hours a night (2002 â€Å"Sleep in America† Poll, p.4); while night shift workers suffer more than others, because they average only five hours a night. Adults from 18 to 65 years old need six to nine hours; therefore, sleep deprivation exhausts and disorders shift workers, leads to fatigue and lack of energy. Drastic increase of sleep deprived workers affects the spheres and environment they are working in, relationships, economy, and social pattern of America, along with other countries. Each one of us has an internal clock that is set for sleep at night, the period between midnight and dawn is essential for the whole body. In order to function effectively, the frontal cortex of br ain relies on rest. The lack of sleep cripples the frontal cortex and makes it ineffective in speech control, memory access and problem solving. Circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological clock of human body and the adaptation to shift work may lead to chronic illnesses (cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases) and poor concentration. Both Paul Roman and Walter Gove agree that anxiety and sleep deprivation are interrelated and lead to psychotic disorganization that is close to mental illness. (Roman, 1972; Gove, 1970). One third of Americans have chronic deprivation that causes sleepiness during the daytime and disorder of everyday life. These adults are likely to have sleep deprivation and its symptoms affect their performance and social life. Sleep Deprivation Essay Body Paragraphs Insomnia, exhaustion, irritability, lack of physical energy, fatigue, nightmares, sleep-schedules’ disruption, memory deficit, poor social and occupational performance, impediment in mental ability, emotions and memory are some symptoms of sleeping disorder. In their studies, Shaw et al., stressed on â€Å"molecular connection between sleep, plasticity and memory formation [and demonstrated that] the intensity and/or complexity of prior social experience stably modifies sleep need and architecture† (1775). Sleep deprived people are found to use greater amount of sleeping pills than needed. These attempts to control levels of energy and anxiety and to alleviate distress are the reaction of personality from social perspective. According to 2002 â€Å"Sleep in America† Poll, inadequate sleep affects: – Impaired performance at workplace (93%); – Risk of injuries (91%); – Health problems (90%); – Interpersonal problems (85%); – Mid-a fternoon sleepiness (48%). (p.14) Shift night workers – airline pilots, doctors, nurses, commercial and truck drivers, police officers, builders, customer services representatives – fall under this risk group of inadequate sleep. Keeping up with the global economy, two jobs to meet ends, better career and child care became the prerequisites for shift work; yet, social status is a core concern that runs all through these issues. The United States, affected by globalization, drastically increased the number of shift workers in the past 20 years. The market competition resulted in new ways out to survive – production increase and 24-hour customer service became available due to millions of American citizens, as shift workers. However, potential productivity has a number of pitfalls that can hardly be compared to a good performance at a workplace. Shift workers are prone to poor concentration (68 percent in reading and 62 percent in listening), errors (wrong decisio n-making – 62%), and poor quality of work done (61%). (2002 Poll, p.15). Thus, potential productivity advantages turn out to be losses, except for physical and mental damages. Billion-dollar investments and costs on research and development are absurd as compared with crashes (Exxon Valdez, Space Shuttle Columbia) aroused by reckless and negligent attitude of shift workers. It should be also noticed that shift workers are employed in emergencies and the safety under acute or chronic sleep deprivation is doubtful. Yet, governmental agencies do not provide data on fatalities (transportation industry) and injuries (emergencies) in work places that were caused by fatigue and sleepiness. Nevertheless, the data only emphasized problems that occur because of shift workers’ sleep deprivation; still, proposals, concerning night shift work improvement, are few. Basing on the qualitative method, I will focus my research on personal experiences and observation, interviewing and an alysis. My core goal is to find out the effects of sleep deprivation on night shift workers from a sociological point of view. Managers ignore the interdependence of workers’ sleep and their productivity; otherwise, they would address their sleep schedules’ policies, invest in training and improve productivity. The studied group will be night shift workers from the South region that are usually employed from midnight till 8 a.m. According to 2004 BLS data, night shift workers, who compose 3.2 percent of employed Americans, are involved in food preparation (40.4%), transportation, production (26.2%) and emergencies (50.6%). (BLC, 2005). I think the South suites the research, for it is overabundant of night shift workers. My research will be based on focus groups of 200-300 people (the more people we interview, the more precise data we will get). Previous studies have shown that sleep deprived workers regularly disrupt their sleep-wake cycles. I will make research in the sphere of unstable sleeping patterns and their effects on humans as a part of social world. It was already stated that the number of shift workers’ hours slept averages 5 hours. Therefore, focus groups will be summoned to respond how the lack of sleep affects their: alertness, attention, reaction, concentration, awareness, decision-making and problem-solving skills, memory, and mood. The results of this research will be as follows: if the focus group fails to perform the tasks properly, makes errors and mistakes, shows disorder, sleepiness or drowsiness, the outcome is clear – at a workplace, shift workers will not be able to follow and take tasks, make right decisions, remember properly, work carefully, pay attention to every part of the process and perform work of a high quality. This part of the research will show that neither socially, not occupationally these shift workers will bring success, profit, or significant impact. Sleepy night shift workers are irritable , intractable, unsociable, tired, stressed, isolated, and unfocused – they are anti-social units at a workplace. The second part of the research will be based on interviewing. Here are some health issues to be answered: what is the probability of injury, tiredness, insomnia, disorders in breathing and digestive system (obesity), high blood pressure, road accidents, and emotional problems? Dr. Van Cauter has stressed that â€Å"accumulated sleep debt is potentially as detrimental to health as poor nutrition or a sedentary lifestyle† (NYT, 1999). People will be also interviewed on medicine they take to stay awake or vice versa and its amount. The drug usage has been waved into American society, but the attempts to control the body should not lead to addiction. The history of sleep deprivation remembers a case of DJ, who stayed up for 201 hours. During this period, doctors were observing him and â€Å"soon he couldn’t recall the alphabet and [.] he thought spiders were spinning webs on his shoes† (Whalen, 2000). This incident claims to show that sleep disorders lead to mental problems and that we will not cheat on sleep. No one should state that the lost sleep will be caught up – sooner or later, night shift workers will have to pay the price. In this case, nap time is essential for effective work; nap break may reduce injuries and accidents at workplace that are caused by fatigue. nbsp; And, finally, I will research pros and cons of the ‘family’ element. Family, as a tiny part of the society and country as a whole, is, nevertheless, the most essential from a long-term perspective. As long as the family stands, the country will stay alive. Here I will need participant’s observations and notices. I would like to know the time night shift workers spend with their family members, relatives, and, finally, neighbors; whether they are present at family parties, weekends, holidays, along with national ones; whether they are aware of what is going on in the house they live in; what are the family needs, latest news and events. If shift worker can hardly reply to these questions – which part of society he/she belongs to in particular? Sleep deprivation embodies dangers that are aimed at us and others. As was noted by Simon Williams, â€Å"the growing problematization or politics of sleep in a 24/7 risk society where sleep is now becoming a matter of ‘public concern’† (Williams, 2007). Our society should not turn the blind eye towards labor force that provides 24-hour services and production. The United States depend on night shift workers; thus, public and policy makers must be alarmed of extended hours and find the ways to ease the night shifts. Who will replace this generation of night shift workers, if kids look at their exhausted moms and dads after night shifts and see ‘the other side of the Moon’? The media avoids discussions on sleep deprivation, bu t scholarly articles and researches provide enough data to see the last of shift workers. They divide, rather than unite the society, because they do not share their ideas with colleagues and are passive during breaks – their destroy the social environment; because their immunity, mental and health disorders make them prone to viral infections and risky for public; because their poor performance decreases productivity, quality and quantity, therefore, the potential labor force of night shift workers is a potential damage for the U.S. economy in long-term targeted perspectives, it is an indirect-action environment, which contains unforeseeable consequences. We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep Deprivation Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep Deprivation Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep Deprivation Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Sleep deprivation Essay Example Essay Example Sleep deprivation Essay Example Paper Sleep deprivation Essay Introduction The estimated number of TV in homes is 109. 6 million. (Parents Television Council, 1998) Many people know days always wonder whether television is bad. As well many have their views in which television is a learning tool or a bad influence for their children. There has been much research, which developed few issues between television and children coming from health issues to being use as a learning skill. As studies are developed there will always be health issues that will affect children that don’t have any physical activity as part of their daily routine. Others have discovered that sometimes watching too much TV can influence in how children’s attitudes and views can be affected. Children as they grow can retain many things which help them learn; as for example using television as a guide. There are many programs that are simply directed in children learning in order to have a better understanding of things. PBS is one of many shows that have been known to invest i n children’s learning. Sleep deprivation Essay Body Paragraphs Research shows both positive and negative influences on children and television. Television may have effects on children’s health, behavior, and learning regarding how they have activities with or consume television. As one of the issues that affect children because they watch too much television is health wise. The biggest issue that has been targeted the most is children becoming overweight. â€Å"The number of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese has doubled in the past 20 years in the U. S. according to the APP. (LimiTV, n. . ) Obesity has become a big factor and one of the reason why is due to children not having physical activity part of their daily routine. Parents sometimes relay in the television to be some sort of a babysitter in case they are trying to finish any tasks they have. Making this caused a neglect of interaction with their children, and increasing the issue for becoming overweight. Becoming over weight there are other issues which include s high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, depression and low self-esteem. (LimiTV, n. d. Another reason which affects children, and overweight is all the commercials that are shown during their programming. Some of they are of junk food, McDonalds’, chips and soda, which contributes in the health issue. For example some of the ways that you should be aware of is when children begin to eat in front of the television or snacks don’t want to do any physical activities or like to be alone. Always in courage children to get out of their comfort zone and experience what the world has to offer. As recommended by LimiTV minimize watching television to 1? ours per day, have a healthy diet and have physical activity of at least of 30 minutes a day. (Boyse, 2010) Children health is very important other issue to look out for is ADHD or ADD. â€Å"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that robs children of their ability to focus and pay atte ntion. Kids with ADHD are fidgety and easily distracted. This makes it difficult to stay â€Å"on task,† whether it’s listening to a teacher or finishing a chore. † (Empen, September, 1p) The link between television and ADHD is unclear, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting young children’s exposure. The group discourages TV viewing for kids under 2 years and recommends no more than two hours a day for older kids. To help your child develop attention skills, encourage activities like games, blocks, puzzles, and reading†. (Empen, September, 15p)There was a study made in April 2004 by Dr Dimitri Christakis and colleagues, people are who found out that watching television at an early age, 1 year trough 5 years, will develop this attention disorder at a later age. Additionally dealing with this disorder is accompanied by medication. One of the most common medications used is Ritalin; which helps to focus in daily task and learning. All of this can be prevented by monitoring what children watch. Other issues that affect in children health is the lack of sleep they have when watching too much television. This has altered sleeping patterns and sleep disorders among children and adolescent. (Boyse, 2010) That’s why is very important to have a daily routine with children as young as possible to have a healthy sleep. This can affect them educational wise to health wise as well. Implanting healthy sleep is very important because this is when children are growing and developing. As studies keep developing is very important to be aware of any issues that can affect children due to watching too much television. Although health issues are not the only reasons which affect children, also their behavior is influence by watching too much television. Some of the reasons are violence, sexual, and mimicking what other people does. There has been said that â€Å"The average American child will witness 200,000 violent acts on television by the age of 18† (Dowshen, 2011) which in all honesty children is expose to many things that sometimes parent don’t stop, and think what their children are watching. The television has become a big part of this issues many cartoon, movies and television show many acts of violence and aggression which promotes being violent is ok. That’s why there has been TV programming ratings as well are movies ratings these are develop for a reason. (Dowshen, 2011) Parents should invest time and educate their children that violence is not ok and should not mimic any acts of violence when they are watched. There is the type of parents that neglect children and let them do whatever they want. All these shows that promote violence can affect children in the long as well emotionally and mentally. Violence is one of the many issues that are promoted now days, but as well there is the issue of sexual content. Children have children grow and learn to understand things they watch commercial, movies or TV shows which shows sexually content. Many start asking question or they are influence to start to make the choice of becoming sexually active. Children as early as 10 years old have started to have sex with older partners or same age. Making sure to educate our children that what is shown in the television is not real and should not be something to be playing with. It can affect them emotionally as well health wise getting any transmitted diseases they are not ready to face. Another issue that influences their behavior is smoking and drinking. As said before television one of the biggest influences there is for children is the television. They try to be cool and think that drinking and smoking at a young age is important in order to fit in. Why? You might ask because they are still learning between good and bad if you as a parent are there for your child to make them knowledgeable. Now the most important issue that is important in the issue between children and television is learning. There has been for many studies whether television can be a positive effect in children life. (Jabr, 10/2) There have been many programs developed specially for this purpose to educate children and learn new things every day. One of the many programs is PBS Kids this is one of the best TV etworks that invest in the learning of children. For example some of these shows are Curious George, Sesame Street, Clifford the big red dog, Martha Speaks and Zoom. All these show have become a positive influence in children to help them learn colors, numbers, shapes, every day task and languages. (Kirkorian, 2008) There has been studies made that watch this show help your children prepare for early education and can be a great asset for children education. (Linebarger, 2011) These shows teach that learning is fun, and anyway you do it is a great way to learn. Education has developed many ways to help teachers teach their students using different tools. One of these development are the use of the television, this has been a new way to help children learn new subjects every day. â€Å"Television can’t replace teachers. But teachers can use television well, taking advantage of its strengths. † (Linebarger, 2011) In Conclusion, the influence of television in children affect health, behavior and learning both in a positive and negative way. By taking these issue have come to learn how it can improve and strength our children’s feature for a better tomorrow. Sharing facts with other parents and children will help teach those new ways in how television is useful and harmful; and can grow knowledgeable. References Boyse, K. (2010,August). University of Michigan Health System Your Child. Retrieved from http://www. med. umich. edu/yourchild/topics/tv. htm Calvert, S. , Kotler, J. , Kuhl, A. , amp; Riboli, M. (2001). Impact of the Children’s Television Act on Children’s Lerning. Children’s Television Act 1 990, 34. Retrieved from http://www. eric. ed. gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet? accno=ED45462 Dowshen, S. (2011,October). How TV Affects Your Children. Retrieved from http://www. kidshealth. org Empen, K. (September 02, 2011). ADHD in Children. Retrieved from http://http://www. webmd. com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-in-children Jabr, F. (10/29/2011). Turning on the TV does not turn off a toddler’s brain. New Scientist, 212(2839), p10-10,2/3p. Kirkorian, H. L. (2008, Spring). Media and Young Children’s Leraning. Future of Children, 18(1), 23pp. LimiTV. (n. d. ). Health Effects of Excessive TV. Retrieved from http://www. limitv. org/health. htm Linebarger, D. L. (2011, November). Teaching with Television. Phi Delta Kapan, 93(3), p62-65, 4p. Parents Television Council. (1998-2011). Facts and TV Statistics. Retrieved from http://http://www. parentstv. org/PTC/facts/mediafacts. asp Piotrowski, J. T. , amp; Linebarger, D. L. (2010, October). Structure and Strategies in Children’s Educati on Television:The Roles of Program Type and Learning Strategies in Children’s Learning. Child Development, 81(5), 1582-1897. Wyatt, N. (2012,July 16). New Study indicate too much TV adds to children’s waistlines and hurts prowess. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from http://www. ottawacitizen. com/story_print. html? 6940330amp;sponsor We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep deprivation Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep deprivation Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sleep deprivation Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer