Passage 8: Sleep deprivation
If you can sleep well, be grateful. Sleep
deprivation is extremely common, and its side effects
are both serious and underappreciated. It is estimated that 50-70 million people in the U.S. suffer
from a sleep disorder, and yet too
many of them do not seek medical
help. Although occasional
sleep interruptions are generally
no more than a nuisance, continuous lack of sleep can lead to excessive
daytime sleepiness, emotional difficulties, poor job performance, and even obesity.
Sleep deprivation also impacts mental
well-being. A study done by the U.K.
Mental Health Foundation found that people who didn't
get enough sleep were about three times more likely to exhibit poor
concentration and four times more likely to
have relationship problems. According to another study, by the University of Warwick, getting less than six hours of sleep on a continuous
basis makes a person 48% more
likely to die of heart disease and 15% more likely to develop a stroke. According to study co-author
Professor Francesco Cappuccio, lack of sleep "is like a ticking
time bomb for your health."
If a
person is experiencing difficulties
falling and staying asleep, there
are several effective methods that can help and do not require medication. These
include relaxation
techniques, like tightening
and relaxing muscles, breathing slowly, and meditating; stimulation control, which involves controlling
pre-bedtime activities and surroundings; and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), designed to help people
understand and change their thought
patterns. If sleep deprivation and negative
symptoms continue, however, consultation with a doctor
is recommended. It's essential not to underestimate the importance of adequate sleep to maintaining good mental
and physical health.
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According to the article,
many people with sleeping disorders