Page 4 - 인성여고 2024 영자신문

vol.19 December 2024

The Risks of Sleep Deprivation:

Adverse Effects on Adolescent Health

20525 Hyun Da Hyun

Recently, the issue of adolescent positive impact of sleep on health.
sleep deprivation has drawn consid
erable social attention. For adolescents, Sleep also plays a major role in enh
who are in a critical growth phase, enhancing learning ability and memory.
maintaining proper sleep patterns is During adolescence, students are
essential. According to a 2020 survey introduced to new concepts at school,
on adolescent health and lifestyle by and the process of comprehending
the Korea Youth Policy Institute, the and organizing this knowledge occurs
average sleep duration among Korean during sound sleep. Without adequate
adolescents is approximately 7 hours rest, concentration declines, reducing
and 18 minutes, about an hour less the effectiveness of learning. This does
than the OECD average. Factors such not only affect test scores but also
as increased use of electronic devices impacts overall learning experiences
like smartphones and computers, as and self-esteem.
well as academic stress, are leading When asked if they struggle with
to reduced sleep among adolescents, emotional regulation, adolescents
which has consequently impacted with insufficient sleep more frequently
their health. The effects of sleep responded “often” or “sometimes,”
deprivation on both physical and underscoring the significant impact
mental health in adolescents can have of sleep deprivation on mental health.
long-term, serious consequences, Sleep deprivation can lead to various
necessitating special care.
issues, including depression, anxiety,
Adolescence is a period when growth decreased concentration, and memory
hormones are actively secreted. loss. Sufficient sleep is not only
Sufficient sleep stimulates the essential for relieving fatigue but also
secretion of these growth hormones, crucial for maintaining the health of
especially during deep sleep stages, both body and mind. Adolescence is a
which facilitates healthier growth. period of intense emotional changes,
Adequate sleep duration is crucial, and young people are sensitive to
not only for height growth but also social and academic stress. Without
as a significant part of life, occupying proper sleep during this time, they
nearly one-third of our time. Lack may experience more emotional
of sufficient sleep can negatively fluctuations, impulsive behavior, and
affect immune function and the frequent feelings of sadness.
autonomic nervous system. Survey Therefore, sleep deprivation during
results indicate that adolescents with adolescence severely affects both
insufficient sleep frequently reported physical and mental health. To address
weakened immune systems, making this, it is essential to manage academic
them more susceptible to illness. stress and electronic device usage, and
Since adolescents are in a phase to create an environment conducive to
requiring immune strength and healthy sleep. Parents, schools, and society
growth, adequate sleep is essential. must work together to foster healthy
Conversely, those who slept over sleep habits in adolescents, ensuring
seven hours reported fewer instances their growth and well-being.
of reduced immunity, highlighting the

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