Introduction
Sleep deprivation is a widespread issue in contemporary realia and has been linked to physical and mental malfunction as well as subpar performance. It is frequently brought on by stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, as well as electronics and work-related strain. Being fatigued impairs emotional and cognitive abilities, and for people who struggle with insomnia, solutions for bettering sleep quality can be life-changing.
Discussion
As sleep deprivation has the potential to affect life quality and health, there has been a rise in attention to its implications. According to research done among university students, sleep deprivation considerably reduced reaction time and the vascular response to activity (Patrick et al., 2017). In a related research on nurses, it was discovered that shift workers’ cognitive function was hindered due to poor sleep quality and a decline in attentiveness while awake (Kaliyaperumal, 2017). Regarding the causes, the study revealed that factors contributing to poor sleep include the consumption of alcohol and coffee, stimulants, and technology, as well as the stress of work (Patrick et al., 2017). According to Parry et al. (2018), the capacity to integrate new memories and control emotions is severely reduced when feeling tired and lacking sleep. In addition to having impaired mental and emotional functions while fatigued, one’s body may also transmit signals that are delayed, reducing coordination and raising the danger of accidents.
Improving the quality of sleep is essential for raising the overall quality of life, and several methods and steps may be taken to do so. Approaches for improving sleep quality in a therapeutic context include meditation, exercise, acupressure, and medication (Natale et al., 2019). However, straightforward suggestions like upgrading the pillows and mattress, taking away electronics and making sure there is a quiet, dark, calming environment can also be helpful.
Conclusion
The importance of sleep to one’s health and well-being cannot be overstated. Getting too little sleep has severe repercussions, including slower reaction times, worse vascular responses, and cognitive impairment. The quality of sleep can be improved through meditation, physical activity, acupressure, medicine, and simple at-home care.
References
Kaliyaperumal, D. (2017). Effects of sleep deprivation on the cognitive performance of nurses working in shift. Journal Of Clinical And Diagnostic Research.
Natale, P., Ruospo, M., Saglimbene, V. M., Palmer, S. C., & Strippoli, G. F. (2019). Interventions for improving sleep quality in people with chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Parry, D., Oeppen, R., Amin, M., & Brennan, P. (2018). Sleep: Its importance and the effects of deprivation on surgeons and other healthcare professionals. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 56(8), 663–666.
Patrick, Y., Lee, A., Raha, O., Pillai, K., Gupta, S., Sethi, S., Mukeshimana, F., Gerard, L., Moghal, M. U., Saleh, S. N., Smith, S. F., Morrell, M. J., & Moss, J. (2017). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students. Sleep and Biological Rhythms, 15(3), 217–225.