When it comes to having issues sleeping, what is the first cause that comes to your mind? Perhaps it is insomnia, stress, or just having too much energy. Lack of sleep is one of the most common, but one of the most critical, issues affecting our world today. According to Stephen Holt, “About 50% of all adults attended by a primary care physician report insomnia on direct questioning, but only a third of this substantial clinical population mention their complaints to an examining physician.” Additionally, The CDC estimates that over 6,000 deaths are attributed to, or directly caused by, drowsy driving each year. Although we have solutions for these conditions, they aren’t without fault. The same medicines prescribed to help individuals sleep have been shown to do the opposite if you are overexposed to said medicine. According to Berry Michaels,“ More than 30 million adults in the U.S. rely on Xanax, Valium, Ativan, or other prescription benzodiazepine drugs to cope with sleep disorders. These drugs have side effects, and long-term use can lead to addiction. Benzodiazepines cause another issue. Their use is associated with reduced Melatonin levels” (Michaels). 

Melatonin is a natural chemical produced in the brain that helps keep sleep cycles in order. It is not addictive and is a much safer alternative to benzodiazepines, as it can reduce the risk of certain cancers and does not interfere with the body’s natural ability to induce sleep. For example, during an observational study,  the scientists observed that by the end of the survey, 79% of participants could altogether discontinue the use of benzodiazepines after taking minor melatonin supplements. However, taking supplements is far from the only thing we have that can treat sleep deprivation. Another suitable treatment is getting into good sleeping habits. Maintaining a good sleep schedule and a comfortable environment are critical factors in your sleep quality. 

Unsurprisingly, the younger a person is, the higher the quality of sleep they need for their development. According to Bridget J. Goosby, “Because adolescents are a population vulnerable to poor sleep during a key developmental period of significant physiological and environmental change, they are an important group to systematically asses concerning sleep patterns and social conditions.”  Furthermore, 6 out of 10 children who are reported to have insomnia symptoms

properly will continue to have them throughout their teenage years and adulthood. In essence, children’s priority should be getting adequate sleep to develop properly.