Blog Post #4 - Part 1

I listened to the NPR broadcasting of "Teens and Sleep." The broadcasting touched on percentages of how many teens get enough sleep each night, percentages of how many parents realize if their teenager gets enough sleep, the causes of sleep deprivation, how sleep deprivation effects teens, and how to solve this problem.

I thought that this broadcasting was extremely interesting because it pertains to my life one hundred percent. I only get about 6 or 7 hours of sleep a night and I wish I got more, but other commitments keep me up at night. I found it extremely interesting that 90% of parents thought that their kids got enough sleep every night! The broadcasting made the point that most parents are in bed before their kids are, which is true in my household. I am always usually the last to go to bed and about one third of the time, I am also the first one awake. Why? My problem is my busy schedule. I am constantly doing something dealing with homework, sports, clubs, or volunteering. The broadcasting also talked about the consequences of sleep deprivation: short attention span, health problems, low concentration, and constant drowsyness. I can relate with these consequences. I passed out in the shower once and my mom took me to the clinic. My doctor told me that it was my body's way of telling me to slow down, relax, and get more sleep.

I also learned why we dream, the in depth facts about hypnosis, and the effects of drugs on an individual. The middle topic was extremely relative to me because I have been hypnotized twice and I have seen at least five hypnosis shows, all by Dr. Jim Wand. Just through attending the shows and being hypnotized myself, I have learned a lot about hypnosis. I beleive it is extremely interesting and surprising that a person can improve him or herself by posthypnotic suggestions. When Dr. Jim Wand began college he was very overweight and had low self-esteem. A friend referred him to a hypnotist. Dr. Wand refused for the first few months, but then agreed. Dr. Wand lost 150 pounds and had kept it off ever since. It was from that moment on that Dr. Jim Wand changed his major to psychology.