The Latest in Sleep Science
Sleep better, live better.
KEY POINTS
- Sleep deprivation is common and harmful.
- New evidence suggests that poor sleep is associated with selfish behavior.
- Many popular sleep aids have no proven benefit.
- Melatonin supplements may help some sleep-deprived people, especially those in certain professions.
The Downsides of Sleep Deprivation
Data has consistently suggested that America is an under-slept nation. Survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2017-18 estimated that over 30 percent of U.S. working adults slept six or fewer hours a night. [1] This is less than the minimum number of seven hours recommended by the CDC—and perhaps this deficit helps our collective angst and irritability. Furthermore, new evidence would seem to suggest that sleep deprivation is associated with more selfish and less altruistic tendencies. Simon and colleagues conducted a fascinating 3-tiered study just published in the journal Plos Biology presenting evidence of this link on both an individual and population level.
For example, on an individual level, sleep deprivation for a single night was associated with decreased willingness to help other people (both strangers and familiars) and decreased activation of the social cognition network on functional MRI imaging. And on a population level, from 2001 to 2016, the investigators observed a significant drop (approximately 10 percent) in the amount of online charitable donations in the week after “spring forward” daylight savings time that was not present in states that do not have daylight savings or in the week following “fall back.” [2]
Do Sleep Aids Work?
So, if you are one of those looking for help with maximizing the restorative nature of sleep, what are some options? Unfortunately, many sleep aids, while not likely to be harmful, have not had proven benefits—this being the conclusion of systemic reviews of two popular slumber supplements, white noise and valerian. [6,7] So, how about we put in a call to Dr. Melatonin from the pineal gland? There was a time when melatonin supplementation seemed like a clever way to market a placebo to long-distance travelers. But the evidence has evolved and melatonin is now recommended by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine for daytime sleep for night shift workers with shift work disorder.
Read the full available article on Psychology Today
Reflection: What are the symtoms you experience when you are sleep-deprived? In which ways can we improve sleep-quality?
#Deprivation #Sleep #MelatoninSupplements
@professionalVision2624 Sleep is very important for the brain to detoxify and for restoring energy for the next day. If someone is not sleeping properly for a period of time it is very likely that they will be disfunctional, plus they will experience negative feelings.
There is the mistaken belief that medical options are the best because they are directly targetting brain chemistry. It is known though that they can be addictive and have serious side effects. Some of the mental health community are very negatively biased about non-medical supplements such as melatonin although there is evidence suggesting that it is very effective. Further research is needed but there are many different supplements that may be appropriate for different individuals according to their sleeping disorder.
Thanks for the article.
@calmDew1576
Amazing response! I learned something new! A very infomrative answer and it's worth debunking myths about sleep science!
@professionalVision2624 When I am sleep-deprived, I really find myself to be irritable. I just am overall cranky and I can't work as efficiently as I normally do. I think once I get into a routine with work then I am on a better schedule and I just get tired earlier! Thank you for sharing!
@fruityPond7887
I can relate to expereincing those symtoms aswell! Thank you for commenting and sharing about your expereinces with sleep-deprivition! <3