Sleep Basics - How Much Do We Need

Sleep is a natural part of our life it something enjoy throughout our entire lives. from day one to the last day we're here, sleep is a part of our routine... in fact, during the average life span, a person will spend the equivalent of 27 years asleep.

Since sleep is biologically natural, we don't really give it much thought. When we do think about sleep, it's usually because we are struggling to do so. There are many people who feel as though they haven't gotten enough sleep feel they need longer periods of slumber than what would be considered 'normal'.

There are countless differences of opinion on the subject of sleep. Why we sleep, how to get the most from your slumber time, how much sleep does the human body require, how to create the best sleep environment, and on and on.

We would all agree that sleep is necessary part of our lives, lest we wouldn't spend so much of our lives engaged in it. Sleep plays a vital role in our health. It is the body's way of recharging its battery both physically and mentally so you can start each day refreshed.

During the early studies of sleep patterns, conclusions about sleep seemed to indicate that the body entered a state of near paralysis. During this time it appeared that almost all bodily activity slowed to a crawl.

This opinion changed dramatically as technology advanced and it became able to monitor brain wave activity. As brain wave activity became more precise, it became documented that brain activity not only did not stop during the sleep state; but rather it was highly active and organized. We know now that the brain carries out several physiological processes and this is what is referred to today as REM or Rapid Eye Movement sleep.

Sleep is how the body recharges itself after a busy day. Although some profess that sleeping is overrated and that most people get or attempt to get far more amounts of sleep than what is actually required by the body.

Most of us can miss one night's sleep and still function rather normally the next day. Depending upon the profession there are those that do this as a matter of practice. For these types of people it is a matter of getting their body into a consistent routine.

Depending upon the individual there may be an increase in irritability and perhaps some trouble staying focused, but overall, the body and the mind still function as long as the sleep deprivation doesn't continue.

Going beyond a person's normal sleeping routine though, there is a noticeable decline in the mind's capabilities. When one begins to become sleep deprived, areas such as the control our ability to speak, our memories, and our ability to plan and focus begin to become affected.

The symptoms that can develop are similar to the symptoms that develop during alcohol consumption. As your body becomes increasing intolerant of lack of sleep you become what some call "punch drunk", or "loopy". Just like when one over indulges in adult beverages the symptoms of slowed reactions and impaired rationalization skills begin to appear and increase. At this point, an individual faces a higher risk of having an accident.

Over time a consistent lack of sleep can manifest problems such as properly regulating body temperature and can cause metabolism to increase. Prolonged sleep deprivation can even bring produce the onset of hallucinations.

There is no question that our bodies do indeed need sleep, the unanswered question is just how much sleep is needed or how much is needed for us to function at an optimal performance level.