Sleep deprivation can be caused by hormone imbalance, sleep apnea, snoring, room temperature, stress/anxiety, and sleeping conditions. It is a known fact that sleep deprivation is the most common cause of many health issues affecting adults, children, and those in between.
I used to have an argument with my teenaged son many school nights, about taking his cell phone to bed with him. His argument was that the phone actually helps him to fall asleep. I, on the other hand, believe electronic devices of any kind keep the brain stimulated, delaying, and preventing restful sleep. Sleep deprivation is caused by many things, but stimulation by electronic devices is way up at the top of the list for many children, teens, and adults. Currently, this argument is aimed at my grandchildren when parents allow them to use electronics at or just before bedtime.
If you are not getting an average of eight hours (more for children and teens) of restorative sleep a day, your long term good health may be at risk. In fact, it is now being suggested that sleep deprivation can be worse for you than lack of exercise….
If you research the causes of many illnesses or conditions including ADD/ADHD, (both childhood and adult forms) anxiety, depression and other psychiatric illnesses, heart problems, type II diabetes, obesity, brain fog, difficulty focusing and/or concentrating, poor/slow reaction time, memory loss, lethargy, irritability, headaches and loss of energy, just to name a few, you will find sleep deprivation at or near the top of the list.
Every part of our bodies needs sleep to function properly. Our cells rejuvenate and grow, our energy levels are boosted, our brains refuel with energy and reboot our memories, our aching joints and muscles repair and strengthen, and our organs release essential hormones, all when we are asleep.
This research has tired me out, I think I will take a nap to rejuvenate!