Over the next 12 months, we'll be celebrating 250 years of America in Virginia. Scientific research in 1776 laid the foundation for many of the innovations we see today in the fields of medicine, chemistry, engineering and more. By looking back, we gain a better understanding of our scientific present and future!
In early America, people had two sleep periods: one from around 9 - 11 p.m. and then 1 a.m. to dawn. Waking up after the first sleep happened naturally, without some type of alarm. In those two hours between sleeps, people completed chores, prayed and socialized.
Since the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of artificial light, one sleep cycle of 7 - 9 hours has become the norm for adults. Sleep affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body, so scientists study sleep cycles, hormones, genetics and disorders to help people sleep better and improve their health.
Phone apps and devices have been helping people sleep better for years. One new treatment for sleep apnea involves a surgical implant that keeps your airways open, a remote and a phone app that tracks how long you sleep every night.
Relevant Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) include: USII.3 and VUS.10. Health SOLs- K.1.f, 3.1.e, 4.1.e, 4.2.e, 7.1.g, 8.1.g, 9.1.d, 9.2.d, and 10.1.c.
