Introduction
Sleep is considered one of the most important parts of any individual’s life. Some researchers emphasize the usefulness of sleep for productivity, while others focus on its impact on people’s health. The present paper will offer several different opinions on the role that sleep plays in the satisfaction of humans’ well-being. A brief overview of four videos will be followed by a discussion of the lessons that should be taken from the speeches.
Brief Summaries of Videos
Each of the speakers in the videos focuses on a different characteristic of sleep, but all of them agree that without enough sleep, one does not perform to the fullest potential. Arianna Huffington (2010) analyzes sleep as a crucial constituent of happiness. In her speech, Huffington (2010) mentions that sleep deprivation can lead to detrimental outcomes and describes her own negative example of not receiving enough rest. The speaker remarks that women are more likely to arrange the revolution of sleep because, for men, sleep deprivation has become “a virility symbol” (Huffington, 2010). Thus, this speech stresses the importance of sleep and considers women as the most probable change agents in the sleep revolution.
Another speech given by a woman is not focused on feminism. Jessa Gamble (2010) considers sleep as a vital element of humans’ body clocks. In her presentation, Gamble (2010) offers several examples of how people’s sleep habits are correspondent with animals’ chemical clocks. Sleep is thus associated with culture, and the role of sleep in the establishment of a healthy lifestyle is underlined in the speech.
The other two videos present researchers’ talks on sleep and its functions. Russel Foster (2013), a neuroscientist, explains why people need sleep and what can happen when they disregard this vital behavioral experience. In his speech, Foster (2013) provides numerous examples of how people treated sleep at different times and notes that individuals’ ignorance about sleep is too big. Therefore, from the neuroscientist’s point of view, not only the duration of sleep but also its quality is highly important.
The last speech is focused on unique functions of the brain that can only be performed while one is asleep. Jeff Iliff (2014) remarks that during sleep, brain vessels “clear away waste,” which is impossible to do while being awake. Thus, it is crucial for people to have enough sleep for their brain to receive time for restoration. Appropriate brain rest helps to avoid serious disease and enables individuals to discover the full potential of their brain.
The Valuable Information Obtained from Videos
Although all speakers analyze sleep from different points of view, they all agree that it is highly significant for people to have a sufficient amount of rest. The videos give information on the value of sleep for health, safety, happiness, academic achievement, and other aspects without which it would be impossible for individuals to live successfully. The most crucial data is given by Iliff (2014) and Foster (2013). These two speakers provide a detailed account of neurological processes taking place in the brain and explain a variety of functions that sleep deprivation can obstruct or eliminate. In particular, scholars remark that the brain does not sleep when the organism is resting. A variety of genes work only during sleep (Foster, 2013; Iliff, 2014). Therefore, sleep is needed not only for restoration but also for the productive work of the organism on the next day. Both Iliff (2014) and Foster (2013) compare the need to clear the brain at night to the need to clean one’s house. Neither of the two kinds of “chores” can be put off for a long time since postponing them would cause inconvenience and discomfort. Thus, from the scientific point of view, sleep is highly important for the brain.
Irrespective of their profession and connection with science, all four speakers emphasize the positive effect of sleep on the well-being of any person. Huffington (2010) mentions that having enough sleep makes individuals more inspired and productive. Gamble (2010) remarks that a body clock is crucial for organizing one’s life successfully. Iliff (2014) notes that the clarity of the mind helps to sustain one’s body in harmony. Foster (2013) explains that at every age, people’s sleep needs are different, but these requirements are frequently higher than people allow themselves to spend sleeping. Particular attention is paid to the negative impact of shift work on one’s sleep pattern (Foster, 2013; Gambler, 2010). Therefore, all speakers urge the audience to review their attitude to sleep and start having enough rest to become healthier and happier.
Conclusion
Sleep is a rather significant component of any individual’s existence. The videos give insight into the most intricate aspects of neural processes and explain why it is not acceptable to sleep too little. All speakers focus on the importance of sleep for people’s health, productivity, and happiness. Watching these videos helps to realize how thoughtless people sometimes are and how necessary it is for them to alter some of their habits in order to be strong both physically and morally.
References
Foster, R. (2013). Why do we sleep? [Video file]. Web.
Gamble, J. (2010). Our natural sleep cycle is nothing like what we do now. [Video file]. Web.
Huffington, A. (2010). How to succeed? Get more sleep [Video file]. Web.
Iliff, J. (2014).One more reason to get a good night’s sleep [Video file]. Web.