Get Your ZZZs
Sleep plays an extremely important role in good health. Sleep is especially necessary for children and teenagers because it helps aid physical and mental development. Yet, no matter what age you are, everyone needs a sufficient amount of sleep. Getting enough sleep can affect your overall quality of life.
For most people, sleeping at least eight hours a night helps the brain function properly. Studies show that a proper amount of sleep helps improve learning. Whether a person is learning a new subject or learning how to play a new sport or instrument, getting enough sleep improves memory and the ability to solve problems. Getting enough sleep at night helps a person learn more efficiently during the day. Conversely, a lack of sleep weakens the memory and causes slower processing times in the brain. People who do not sleep well at night are less productive in school and extracurricular activities because it takes them longer to finish tasks.
Proper sleep also supports physical growth and development. Sleep helps repair cells and boosts the immune system, which can help prevent one from getting sick. Adequate sleep helps the immune system defend the body against harmful organisms. People who do not get enough sleep can have trouble fighting infections, such as the common cold. Adequate sleep also helps prevent one from developing serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Everyone needs different amounts of sleep; the number of hours varies from person to person. One way to determine how much sleep you need is to conduct a test. Set aside at least 9 to 10 hours where you will be able to sleep without interruptions or distractions. Let yourself wake up naturally without an alarm, and then record the number of hours it took for you to wake up on your own. Once you have identified the amount of sleep you need, schedule your bedtime according to your required amount of sleep.
The most important thing is to get the right amount of sleep you need each night. A good night's sleep will help you feel mentally and physically strong, and it will help you function at a high level throughout the day.
2
Select all the correct answers.
Which two sentences best convey the main idea of paragraph 4?
1. A person can identify the amount of sleep he or she requires by waking up naturally.
2. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person.
3. Everyone requires 9 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
4. A person can have adequate sleep if he or she is not disturbed.
5. A person should record the number of hours he or she sleeps each night.
(Study island 7th grade Central idea)
