Sleep deprivation is a general term to describe a state caused by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep (Kalat, 2019). Sleep is as essential to the human body as food and water, but many do not get enough sleep. Years ago, there was a time when the television stations went off the air, and there was no more programming. The major channels, such as NBC, CBS, and ABC, went off around 1:00 am. There was no social media at that time; computers and everything in most cities were shut down.

We live in a different world today. Society is up 24/7, nonstop. It is a wonder why sleep deprivation is so common today, from college students engaging in all night activities to those working overnights, those playing video games late at night, and those just watching television until 5:00 am. This could lead to why people experience insomnia. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. With insomnia, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good-quality sleep (Kalat, 2019). The emphasis here is on ‘good-quality sleep ‘. Because there are many stimuli in the world today, individuals’ minds are constantly racing, even while sleeping. Most Americans miss this critical success in life. Getting a good night’s sleep.

As a result, when a person is sleep-deprived, it could lead to severe issues. I remember working a 12-hour overnight shift from 7 pm to 7 am and then driving 4 hours that morning for a Thanksgiving family dinner later that afternoon. When a friend asked how the drive was coming down, the response was, “I am not sure; I slept the entire trip.” I was awake but remembered nothing because I was tired and sleep-deprived. I was not thinking about putting my wife and daughters at risk of having an accident by falling asleep at the wheel.  When we are sleep deprived it could lead to fear and anxiety.  

Are you ready to change? 

Eliminating fear and anxiety is one of the biggest challenges running out of control in our nation today. A significant pandemic, inflation, high gas and food prices, student loan depth, affordable housing, racial tensions, opioid and fentanyl addiction, and more have arrested the hearts and minds of most Americans and have kept them in the bondage of fear and worry. Fear can be a powerful emotion and, if not kept in check, can ruin a person’s lifestyle. However, the things that most people usually fear do not come to fruition. The acronym of F.E.A.R. is False Evidence Appearing Real.

However, how do we eliminate fear, stress, and anxiety and reduce panic attacks? Having exceptionally high levels of any of these emotions for an extended period can be dangerous to the human body, both physically and mentally. Panic disorders are a prime example as characterized by frequent periods of anxiety and occasional attacks of rapid breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling or PTSD, which is marked by frequent distressing recollections (flashbacks) and nightmares about the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of it, and vigorous reactions to noises and other stimuli (Kalat, 2019). The potential for a healthier and wiser world, with fewer suicidal attempts, is within our grasp if we can foster peace and tranquility instead of fear and anxiety.

Reference:

Kalat, J. W. (2019). Biological Psychology (13th ed.).