Homework for 2/25

Link 1: To Get Good Grades, Get Good Sleep

1. What were 3 things you found interesting?
a. People suffering from sleep-deprivation are at an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, psychological problems and car crashes
b. Students who don’t get enough sleep have poorer attendance and lower grades.
c. You’re probably better off sleeping than cramming for a test.

2. What are 2 things that makes you want to learn more about?
a. I would like to learn how to study other than cramming, so I am prepared enough for a test, and can get enough sleep.
b. I would like to question why high schools don't start later in the day, since sleep is so important for attendance and good grades.

3. Skills as a critical thinker: Well, we learned that sleep is necessary to "fuel" the body. We have more energy and a better attention span when we recharge at night, and if one goes long enough without sleep, they can die. So I really wonder why American Psychologists don't pressure the national schools to take these facts into consideration when planning the school day. American test scores and graduation rates may be higher if something as minor as the starting time was altered.

Link 2: Brain Sacks Out in Stages

1. Something interesting: I just find it interesting that our body is smart enough to know that it is not a good idea to just suddenly shut down. But shutting down in stages, the brain gives the body time to react, which avoids dangerous, and potentially lethal, situations. For example, if it weren't for the stages of shut-down, people would be constantly falling asleep at the wheel, causing accidents.

3. Critical thinking: So, it is generally considered a good thing that the brain shuts down in stages, and I fully agree. But what if the brain just shut down when it needed to? Then the body would know when it is time to go to sleep, and we are guarenteed to get the amount of sleep we need to act to our full potential. Right now even, I am struggling to stay awake at this computer. Probably a mix of staring at the screen, talking about sleep, and the fact that its the middle of Senior Week. But if the body shut down when it needed to, I wouldn't be able to fight the urge to close my eyes like I am now, and I would be guarenteed the rest I need. Just something to think about.

Link 3: Sleep position gives personality clue

1. "What's interesting is that the profile behind the posture is often very different from what we would expect." : I sleep in the Foetus position! Way to be the norm.
And this is what it means: The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax.
This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

2. More learning: I would like to learn more about the health effects of your sleeping position. I always have stomach discomfort in the morning, and no medicine my doctor gives me seems to work. I have had it for at least 3 years now, so I'm basically used to it. But according to this article: "Professor Idzikowski said: "Lying down flat means that stomach contents can more readily be worked back up into the mouth, while those who lie on their back may end up snoring and breathing less well during the night.'" Hmm.

Link 4: Snorting a Brain Chemical Could Replace Sleep (Woah.)

1. Interesting? Yes: Siegel said that orexin A is unique in that it only had an impact on sleepy monkeys, not alert ones, and that it is "specific in reversing the effects of sleepiness" without other impacts on the brain." So, it won't have an effect on already awake people. That is definitely an added bonus, for safety and function reasons.