The Importance of Proper Sleeping Patterns

Sleeping is a regular habit and, in fact, a biological necessity. It is one of those things that people need to do in order to give the body and brain enough time to rest and rejuvenate. The typical sleeping positions would be to lie down with closed, preferably on a comfortable bed. A person who wants to get some sleep usually tries to minimize distractions and any loud noise that might prevent one having the right atmosphere for sleeping. During sleep, a person usually breathes in a slow and rhythmic pattern, with muscles completely relaxed. A few minutes or some hours after falling asleep, one would occasionally roll over or change body positions. This change in sleeping posture occurs around once or twice every hour. This can be the body's way of making sure that no part of the body or skin has its circulation cut off too long a period of time. Basically, a sleeping person is unconscious of the things that are happening around in the environment. But for some people, they may be getting lack of sleep due to several factors. Stress, fatigue, and worry may be some of the reasons why people do not get enough sleep.

A large European research firm was commissioned to investigate the causes and implications of sleep problems from a medical as well as from a social point of view. Since our environment is changing into a 24/7 society, people are now having less time to sleep. The research focuses on the role of sleep in the quality of life; in mood disorders and how it can affect performance, accident rates, and cardiovascular diseases. One group from the research investigated sleep patterns during a normal week. They found out that following sleep restriction to four hours per night, an individual's ability to perform complex tasks gradually decreased during the five days. Another group has shown ways in which the social context of everyday life has influences on sleep quality. Interviews with women in Italy show how women's sleep is disturbed by care giving roles, especially for elderly relatives. Large scale surveys from the study made the conclusion of strong social inequalities in sleep problems with poorer sleep recorded for people living in disadvantaged social situations, such as low income or low educational attainment. This research study also suggests that disturbed sleep patterns thoroughly interferes with our well being and the interaction with the environment. The study clearly revealed age-related changes in the impairment of constant cautious attention after one night without sleep. This particular finding is consistent with epidemiological studies and has important implications for the prevention of accidents associated with loss of sleep or sleep problems.

Sleep studies such as this can open up new thoughts with regards to sleeping. Not all people pay great attention to sleep, much less sleep normally. Our society is changing, and sleep patterns change as well. A good night's sleep is essentially important for people who are active during the day, because sleep can recharge the body and give it some resting time. Most people need around seven to nine hours of sleep a night. This would be average, but can be subjective depending on the person himself. Improving sleep can be easy. By exercising regularly, it helps tire and relax one's body. Avoid caffeine after 4 p.m. and avoid stimulants like cigarettes, as well. Consuming alcohol disrupts the brain's normal patterns during sleep. By having a regular sleep pattern even on weekends, a person can really get a good night's sleep.