Team A
Brenda Moreno, Emily Beecher, Indira Paul, John Kendrick, Rosa Perez
PSY/340
Dr. Powers
April 27, 2015
Sleep Deprivation Podcast Transcript
Hello and welcome to this podcast on the importance of sleep and the effects of sleep deprivation. My name is Indira Paul, and I am a student at the University of Phoenix. I am currently enrolled in PSY/340 Biological Foundations in Psychology. I would like to explain the importance of healthy sleep hygiene in optimal functioning, the effects of sleep deprivation on daily functioning, and also suggest possible approaches to ensure quality sleep.
Healthy Sleep Hygiene
It is unquestionable that daily behavior can influence human beings and their …show more content…
For instance, how individuals choose to spend their days, can considerably affect their quality of sleep. The importance of good sleep hygiene strives around health and well-being. In our nature, sleep is a necessary human need. Lack of sleep greatly affects how the body and mind functions. Subsequently, sleep deprivation can to contribute to a wide variety of illnesses. It affects individuals physically, mentally, and can cause mood disorders, depression, weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, cardiac disease and even cancer (para 3). For that reason, acknowledging the importance of sound sleep and the benefit it offers to our health and happiness is …show more content…
How you feel during your waking hours hinges greatly on how well you sleep; and some approaches to getting quality sleep are:
1. Getting in sync with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (your circadian rhythm) is important for achieving good sleep; set a regular bedtime and wake up at the same time every day.
2. Naturally regulate your sleep-wake cycle; increase light exposure during the day: remove your sunglasses, spend more time outside during daylight, if necessary use a light therapy box; and boost melatonin production at night by turning off your television and computer to make sure your room is dark.
3. Create a relaxing bedtime routine; keep the noise down, keep your room cool (65 degrees F or 18 C), and have adequate ventilation. Reserve your bed for sleeping; don’t associate your bed with things like work or errands.
4. Eat right and get regular exercise; stay away from big meals at night, cut down on caffeine, quit smoking, and exercise 20 to 30 minutes daily.
5. Get anxiety and stress in check; try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and close your eyes and imagine a place or activity that is calming and peaceful for