Why it does pay to fall asleep!In our current society, students are bombarded with many lifestyle and social demands. They want to do everything, but there are not enough hours in the day to make the effort. Those who try can wind up with a problem: exhausted and still sleep deprived. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the American Academy of Sleep Medicine The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is a United States professional society for the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine. It was established in 1975. Its membership consists of physicians, researchers and other health care professionals who specialize in the study, , more than 100 million Americans of all ages fail to get a good sleep every night. Most adolescents will get about seven hours a night, while they should be averaging nine to nine and a half hours. Social and school obligations, early starting times at school, and shifts in sleep schedules, mood, and behavior can all play a role in this problem. What can be done to remedy the situation? We can start by providing our students with the following sleep guidelines as observed by the patients at the Bacharach Institute of Rehabilitation's Sleep Disorder Sleep disorder Any condition that interferes with sleep. At least 84 have been identified, according to the American Sleep Disorders Association. Mentioned in: Insomnia, Night Terrors Center in Pomona, NJ. * Keep a regular, consistent sleep schedule. Avoid oversleeping on weekends. * Do not go to bed hungry. * Do not drink beverages that contain caffeine in the evening. * Use your bed only for sleeping; eliminate studying, reading, watching TV, and listening to music in your bed. * Avoid long naps during the day. * Prepare a comfortable sleep environment by keeping your room dark and quite. * Exercise regularly, but no later than 3-4 hours before bedtime. * Practice stress management skills when feeling stressed. * If sleep problems persist, contact your family doctor. By emphasizing these guidelines, teachers and coaches can ensure their student athletes of performing optimally. Exercise and nutrition are the focus of such guidelines. Sleep is often the forgotten component of high performance. It's important because it is the time when actual physical growth occurs and tissues recover from daily activity. Sleep-deprivation leads to fatigue, which can cause a decrease in both academic and athletic performances. Students who fail to get proper sleep will be irritated ir·ri·tate v. ir·ri·tat·ed, ir·ri·tat·ing, ir·ri·tates v.tr. 1. To rouse to impatience or anger; annoy: a loud bossy voice that irritates listeners. , frustrated, and have difficulty concentrating in the classroom. Lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. and increase the student/athlete's risk of illness and absenteeism. Sleep deprivation sleep deprivation Sleep disorders A prolonged period without the usual amount of sleep. See Driver fatigue, Poor sleeping hygiene, Sleep disorders, Sleep-onset insomnia. may also affect athletic performance. It interferes with glucose metabolism glucose metabolism, n the process by which simple sugars found in many foods are processed and used to produce energy in the form of ATP. Once consumed, glucose is absorbed by the intestines and into the blood. and impairs performance and recovery. Recent research has found that sleep deprivation affects the individual's metabolic hormones, which produces weight loss. With these points in mind, coaches and teachers would do well to place more emphasis on a good night's sleep. It is critical for excellent performance, both in the classroom and athletics. To learn more about sleep and its disorders, you can visit the National Sleep Foundation at www.sleepfoundation.org. About the author: Kevin Costello is a baseball and basketball coach as well as a physical education teacher at Oakcrest High School Oakcrest High School is a comprehensive four-year public high school located in Hamilton Township, in Atlantic County, New Jersey. The school is part of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District. As of 2005, Oakcrest High School has an enrollment of about 2,100 students. in Mays Landing, NJ. As a specialist in pediatric pediatric /pe·di·at·ric/ (pe?de-at´rik) pertaining to the health of children. pe·di·at·ric adj. Of or relating to pediatrics. sleep, he is also a Registered Polysomnograpy (sleep) Technologist at Bacharach Institute of Rehabilitation in Pomona, NJ. By Kevin Costello, Basketball/Baseball Coach Oakcrest High School, Mays Landing, NJ |
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