Resources on for Young Adult Health

Sleep Needs of Young Adults
A brief kept by Stanford University suggests that those aged 12-22 need 9.25 hours sleep, on average. The study indicates that “Sleep deprivation can impair memory and inhibit creativity making it difficult for sleep deprived students to learn. Teens struggle to learn to deal with stress and control emotion -- sleep deprivation makes it even more difficult. Irritability, lack of self confidence and mood swings are often common in a teen, but sleep deprivation makes it worse. Depression can result from chronic sleep deprivation. Not enough sleep can endanger their immune system and make them more susceptible to serious illnesses.” You can find the full article here.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that average 16-24 years olds require about 8-10 hours sleep, though individual needs vary. Following period of sleep debt, it may take a long while to recover, during which time individual may need much more.

The NSF indicates that “Short sleep duration is linked with:

·       Increased risk of drowsy driving

·       Increase in body mass index – a greater likelihood of obesity due to an increased appetite caused by sleep deprivation

·       Increased risk of diabetes and heart problems

·       Increased risk for psychiatric conditions including depression and substance abuse

·       Decreased ability to pay attention, react to signals or remember new information

According to researchers Michael H. Bonnet and Donna L. Arand, ‘There is strong evidence that sufficient shortening or disturbance of the sleep process compromises mood, performance and alertness and can result in injury or death. In this light, the most common-sense 'do no injury' medical advice would be to avoid sleep deprivation.’” You can find this resource here. 

Substance Use (Performance Enhancement and ADHD.)

Tom Murray suggested a couple articles to me earlier this year, writing that ADHD "is important to consider because a lot of students are either prescribed or buy these drugs because they think that they'll get an edge. I think some faculty may encourage it too, which is a problem."

Here and here are the articles on ADHD that Tom suggested. 

On the relationship between Rest, Stress, Activity, and Learning:
1. "Learning best when you rest", from Science Daily, here
2. A study planned at Wake Forest about stress, wellness, and learning. here.
3. And another article about Creativity and rest, from Psychology Today,  here.