Sleep and Learning: The Magic that Makes Us Healthy and Smart

by Gary R. Plaford

Overview

The gradual and cumulative sleep deprivation that many students endure not only makes them too tired to focus well but also hampers memory consolidation and motivation. If we really want to improve school performance and graduation rates, we cannot afford to overlook something as basic and critical as sleep. Additionally, if we want to make an impact on both the physical and mental health of individuals in our society (which impacts mortality rates, health care, health insurance rates, the aging process, etc.), we need to begin by educating our youth about the relevance of sleep.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607090922
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	06/16/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	124
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Gary R. Plaford, an MSW, LCSW-licensed social worker, served for twenty years as director of social services for the Monroe County Community School Corporation. He authored Bullying and the Brain and currently teaches at Indiana University and lectures at conferences.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 The Stages of Sleep: What's It All About?
Chapter 3 Sleep and Healthy: The Immune System, Sleep Apnea, ADHD, etc.
Chapter 4 Sleep and Memory: What Is Memory and How Is It Stored?
Chapter 5 Functions of REM Sleep: REM Sleep and Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
Chapter 6 Dreams and REM Sleep: What Are Dreams and Why Do We Have Them?
Chapter 7 The Impact of Stress on Sleep: The Four Conditions of Stress and What Happens in the Brain during Stress
Chapter 8 Managing Stress: Understanding Emotions and Brain Functioning
Chapter 9 Improving Sleep: Some Basic Techniques for Stress Reduction
Chapter 10 Specific Strategies for Improving the Quantity and Quality of Sleep: Using the Senses
Chapter 11 The How, When, and Why of Napping: Creating the Perfect Nap
Chapter 12 Sleep and Our Society: High School, Graduation Rates—Where Are We Headed?

What People are Saying About This

Iris Esch-Williams

Plaford's well-written and very interesting book on sleep could not come at a more appropriate time. With our fast-paced and super-active society, sleep is something that many of us feel we can easily give up. We do not realize the effect lack of sleep has on our body and how important sleep really is. Chock-full of information, this book gives us a new perspective.

Michael Horvath

This book has incredibly valuable information about the importance of sleep. It is practical and down to earth. It speaks to regular people. The strategies are real, and the suggestions for improving sleep for our children and ourselves are doable. Truly a must-read for parents and educators.

Carol Gardiner

Gary R. Plaford once again writes a book that connects brain research to a problem facing our world. Now more than ever, there does not seem to be enough time to sleep. What happens with sleep deprivation in terms of health and education is explained. This is a must-read for all ages to find out practical solutions to a problem that needs our immediate attention.

Karen Brosius

Gary Plaford's book is an easy read and chock-full of useful information and practical ideas for anyone working with young people. Plaford writes as if you are in the room and he is telling you what he has learned with wonderful stories and humor to illustrate his points. I highly recommend this book to anyone working with children.

Editorial Reviews

This book has incredibly valuable information about the importance of sleep. It is practical and down to earth. It speaks to regular people. The strategies are real, and the suggestions for improving sleep for our children and ourselves are doable. Truly a must-read for parents and educators.

Michael Horvath

Gary R. Plaford once again writes a book that connects brain research to a problem facing our world. Now more than ever, there does not seem to be enough time to sleep. What happens with sleep deprivation in terms of health and education is explained. This is a must-read for all ages to find out practical solutions to a problem that needs our immediate attention.

Carol Gardiner

Plaford's well-written and very interesting book on sleep could not come at a more appropriate time. With our fast-paced and super-active society, sleep is something that many of us feel we can easily give up. We do not realize the effect lack of sleep has on our body and how important sleep really is. Chock-full of information, this book gives us a new perspective.

Iris Esch-Williams

Gary Plaford's book is an easy read and chock-full of useful information and practical ideas for anyone working with young people. Plaford writes as if you are in the room and he is telling you what he has learned with wonderful stories and humor to illustrate his points. I highly recommend this book to anyone working with children.

Karen Brosius