Abstract

Lydia Sedy

English 102 - T/TH 1:00 pm

Prof. Sonia Apgar Begert

1 June 15

Abstract

Sleep has been shown to be involved with lower workforce productivity, many car accidents, and other disasters, such as the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. This paper examines the significant and negative effects of poor sleep, particularly concerning memory, academic performance, behavioral functioning, and overall health. Many studies, national polls, and websites were synthesized and organized to show evidence of sleep’s correlations with quality of life. Sleep seems to have a significant role in memory and learning, particularly by reactivating neurons or “consolidating memories” for long-term memory. Many studies have exposed a link between poor sleep length and grade-point average among students. Another theme among the literature reviewed includes sleep’s effect on neurobehavioral functioning, showing problems with attention and behavior regulation, and in one case, property delinquency. The results of this study imply that sleep is an important biological function, necessary for healthy day-to-day living. Students of all ages and teachers alike should consider sleep an important asset in the learning process.