Health Effects of Sleeping
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Sleep is what everyone needs just as much as air, food, and water, but one out of every two people don't get enough sleep (Unknown 9, 1). When we do not get enough sleep every aspect of our lives suffer because it is during this time that protein synthesis in neurons increases (Tortora, 520). Sleep deprivation usually goes unnoticed (Wilson, 1) and then there are sleeping disorders that keep some people from getting the right amount of sleep. Certain techniques can be helpful for some people in getting more restful sleep (Unknown 1, 3).
We all need sleep and it is the job of our hypothalamus to make sure we get our sleep (Wynsberghe, 410). An area called the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus (Tortora, 447) integrates with the neural circuitry to regulate our state of awareness and sleep-wake patterns (Wynsberghe, 410). It causes the pineal gland to release a hormone called melatonin, which is predicted to induce sleep (Unknown 1, 1). Neuronal fatigue is also another cause for sleep (Tortora, 447). Sleep usually consists of four stages. In the first stage heart rate and breathing slow down, as well as, the rhythm of alpha waves...