From A to ZZZZ’s: What Teens Need to Know about Sleep 2006
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Peter Cochran
Directed by Peter Cochran
VHS, color, 20 min.
Jr. High - Sr. High
Health Sciences, Adolescence
Date Entered: 05/01/2006
Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkI don’t know too many teenagers that don’t like to sleep…A LOT. Yet, research shows most teens don’t get enough sleep. This program provides an overview of the importance of sleep to a developing teen, introducing the biological basics of sleep – REM vs non-REM, the role of circadian rhythms, and the effect of sleep on body physiology. It also devotes time to the consequences brought about by a lack of sleep.
The film packs a lot of good information into 20 minutes, and includes up-to-date research, most done at the Bradley Sleep Lab in Providence, Rhode Island. Most teenagers are lacking about 2 hours of sleep per night. This constant state of sleep deprivation affects everything from learning ability to athletic performance. In addition to the basic information about the functions of sleep, there are some interesting bits that are sure to peak the interest of a teenage audience: such as that a certain type of sleep actually helps learning and memory; and the tragic story of Rusty Burris who, as a teen, fell asleep at the wheel, after being awake for more than 36 hours, and is permanently paralyzed.
From A to ZZZZ’s is recommended for high school health classes and entry level adolescent development classes at the college level.