Sleep plays a fundamental role in the effective functioning of almost every system of the body… We all need to find things that help us rest a little easier…
Catching those Zzzzzzzzz’s is as easy as 1, 2,3 – or maybe not.
Chances are, we all probably need to spend a little more time with our pillows.
Be it a teen or adult, if you’re up all night worrying about impending things that need to be done, at work, school, or home it’s not pleasant.
While a bit of chaos is known to have some upsides – like spurring those creative juices – more often it has significantly greater downsides.
Who doesn’t feel zombie-like following no sleep? Just one night without sufficient rest, we feel drowsy during the day, experience slowed thinking, a lack of energy, and yes, an irritable mood. For kids, the prospect of facing those exams or an entire day at school following a restless night is enough to peak that anxiety and get those moods swinging.
Lack of sleep directly affects how we think and feel. While the short-term impacts are more noticeable, chronic sleep deprivation can heighten the long-term risk of physical and mental health problems.
To avoid these snags, it’s important to understand this condition, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep deprivation, so that you or your child is placed in a better position to ensure that sleep is achieved.
At Tutor Partners we’re here to help you and your child feel less pressured and hopefully, you’ll all be catching more Zzzzzz’s at night.
Counting Sheep…
On average adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. And research suggests children and teens require at least nine to eleven.
In reality, being completely well rested doesn’t merely pertain to the hours you clock in slumber. Quality of sleep is also required to wake up feeling refreshed for the day ahead, and avoiding what’s commonly known as sleep deficiency or sleep insufficiency.
Fragmented sleep caused by pressures of being “the best” or “achieving those straight A’s” every semester, for example, can create feelings of overwhelm and restlessness. Often this will mean there’s insufficient, poor sleep happening overall, despite whether or not your child goes to bed and their duration of sleep time meets the recommended amount.
We suggest regularly checking in on your son or daughter’s sleeping patterns to ensure they are, for the most part, counting sheep and sleeping soundly.
Are You or Your Child Feeling Sleep Deprived?
Several factors can cause or contribute to sleep deprivation including poor sleep hygiene, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions, and so forth.
When the mind wanders, it’s difficult to focus on sleeping once your head hits the pillow. Several things compete for attention within the brain, making “winding down” almost impossible.
Researchers have found that being disorganized makes it harder for your brain to focus, even on sleep.
It can be especially tough for anyone with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). If you or your child is experiencing such symptoms, it is highly recommended you try using some meditation music. There are many FREE Apps available. Insight Timer is just one example we recommend. There are ‘sleep stories’ available to use and more. These can be the best way to restore calm to your child’s space, giving some peace of mind.
Consequences?
The effects of sleep deprivation and sleep deficiency can be serious and far-reaching.
Feeling extremely tired during the day is a hallmark sign of sleep deprivation. These symptoms include:
- Slowed thinking
- Reduced attention span and memory
- Poor or risky decision-making
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes, including stress, anxiety, or irritability.
At Tutor Partners we aim to create a more relaxed, restful space within the world for you and your child. There’s nothing better than less stress, right? When there’s too much occurring, our brain powers are more likely to become overloaded, increasing tension and the scatterbrained feeling.
Try to initiate more ‘calm’ where possible, and it’s guaranteed you’ll feel far more satisfied with your life.
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson”
Embrace Everyday While It Lasts
To help combat the health toll, frequent sunlight exposure, Vitamin D, supports a healthy day-to-day rhythm that helps you be alert during the day and sleepy at night. Regular physical activity of some description is vital.
We recommend trying to encourage your child to get some exercise, such as a walk, kicking a ball, or riding a bicycle, every day, to help burn some energy and contribute to a normal, beneficial sleep schedule.
If you’ve ever spent a night tossing and turning, you already know how you’ll feel the next day — tired, irritable, and quite simply “out of sorts”. Sleep is vital for clear thinking and decision-making, across all aspects of life. The long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real.
We hope this highlights some of the potential effects associated with limited Zzzzzz’s and hope you and your family gain invaluable shut-eye, nightly.
How wonderful are pillows??!!
Just be, live freely.