Hopefully I won't offend anybody by my writing on the topic of why young people nowadays are so tired. In writing this particular post, I am hoping to get a discussion going through your comments. Today's magazines and newspapers are full of articles about our "sleepy" young people, mainly ages 16-35. In my own experience of watching this age group, I can see that the medical community is correct--our youth and young adults are too "sleepy".
I would like to hear from all of you. Why are you so tired? Why do you find it necessary to take a nap every day? Why do you sleep in until almost 11 or noon? Please be assured that I am not writing this to blast all of you for what you choose to do. This is just curiosity on my part.
We raised 5 children, and basically I raised them on my own as Eric was never home. We have always lived miles and miles away from our parents and therefore, no help from them either. I don't even remember when I took a nap unless I had a severe migraine or I was sick. Please, I am not patting myself on the back or trying to make myself look like a martyr or hero. Through the years of raising our children, I just was not that tired physically (now emotionally, that's another whole story for another time).
So, here are my questions:
Why are you so tired that you have to take a nap and feel deprived if you don't get your nap?
Why are you so tired that you can't get everything done that you planned on getting done?
Why are you so tired that you have to sleep in until 10 or 11 or you feel that you have been deprived when you have to get up at 7 or 8?
I am 55 years old and yes, I sleep in until 9 most mornings. But, because of our phone ringing late at night, because of Eric getting home late each night and we watch a show or two together, I read until midnight or 1:00 in the morning. That is my quiet time when I can kiss the world good-bye for a little while. Naps--I don't know if I even take one nap in a week's time. Sorry, but I have too much to keep me busy.
One of my theories is that in today's world, too much time is spent sitting down for hours in front of the computer screen. There is a lack of exercise. We have become a "sit down" world. I worry about the toddlers and elementary school children who sit for hours in front of the computer or in front of their hand held games. Where is their exercise? Why aren't they outside riding bikes, rollerskating, running in the yard kicking a ball around? Have we become such a "sit down" society that everyone is tired all the time? Please let me know your feelings about this.
If you feel that I am being unreasonable in my comments, I apologize. But, again this is not done to kick you in the head and tell you to wake up. I just want to know--why are you so tired young people?
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9 comments:
I think this is an interesting question, one worth an honest discussion.
I gave it a lot of thought and I have my own opinions - especially since I am admittedly tired quite a lot.
Certainly, diet and exercise can play a part. It's ironic that sitting around can lead to fatigue. But, it can.
But, I have to say, that by and large, I don't think it's diet and exercise that's causing our generation to be more tired. Think about all the changes that have occured just in my own lifetime. Technology has made us all into multi-taskers. We are grocery shopping, while checking our emails, talking on the phone, handling work-related issues, or doing any number of activities. Personally, at any one time, I can be juggling 5 -7 activities at one time.
Women, in particular, have seen a change in their roles. No longer are we just expected to be home, taking care of the kids. We're now asked to take care the kids, earn an income, and take care of household tasks.
Education has taken a different priority, as well. No longer does experience = education. So, you have people that are juggling two jobs and school (like Kyle).
All around, there is an immense pressure, on our generation, to succeed, to achieve to heights higher than ever expected. Women are expected to be perfect, a virtual superwoman that can juggle home, family, and work, all while maintaining a perfect figure and polished nails.
You add to that combination an overall negative, depressing environment, one where every news story focuses on the ruin of our economy, poltical unrest, societal perversions of every kind, etc., etc. How can anyone watch the news and receive even a glimmer of hope? I really think that a lot of people are depressed or dealing with other mental/emotional struggles because of the state of our environments.
Needless to say, I feel our generation is really stretched thin. And, this leads to fatigue. And, when you're experiencing all these things, and sleep is the only respite you have, then napping might take presendence over doing yet another, stressful activity.
Anyways, that is just my opinion. I'm curious to hear, like you, what everyone else has to say.
Do you think that it is more an emotional fatigue or a physical fatigue? I juggled just as much as this generation is juggling. There were callings such as Relief Society President that had me hopping while the mother of five children, the youngest a baby. I had to take care of a home, grocery shop, drive all over town dropping children to different activities. Five children in soccer at the same time--try it some time. Five children at four different schools and no bus service. So, I guess now my question is--are you emotionally fatigued rather than physically fatigued? Also, I do believe that this generation sits down too much.
When I worked outside the home, I was on my feet all day. Now, most work is done sitting down working on the computer.
Maybe we just aren't finding the happy balance that we need.
Hey! On this topic, I would love to know why my sixth graders are so tired. It's so frustrating, and though I try to make lessons entertaining (and even active when possible), it's close to impossible to wake them up and get them thinking. As far as my life, I know I'm more energized on the days I'm really busy. It's kind of strange how that happens, but I like it. Juggling these things with kids in the future, however, is going to bring who knows what physical/emotional feelings in the mix. I hope I'm up for it because I don't want to be one who is always drained.. I wonder if I can force myself to not be that way...
What is wrong with today's kids? Christie--if your 6th graders are tired and dragging, it does make you wonder what is going on. On Monday afternoons at 4 PM, I have two piano students that show up (they are cousins). They walk in the house like they have no energy left in their bodies. So...is it school? Are they staying up too late? Or is it that PE and recess are out of these kids' lives? Again, the theory of sitting too much. Is there something to this?
I don't know. I'm still boggled by this one. I think, in my mind, I refer back to the quote I had on my blog on Sunday. Every generation is different, each with it's own set of challenges. Being tired, whether that is a physical or emotional sleepiness, is common for everyone.
Personally, I was raised that napping is a good thing. My mom and dad get up at 5 am every morning, go to bed at 9 - 10 pm every night, and, if they have an opportunity, they will take a nap after lunch. Growing up, if we were irritable, even at 16 years old, we were sent to our rooms for a nap. Every Sunday, no matter what, we all napped after church. I'm still a stickler on naps. Gabi has a nap every day (unless she's out and about). And, if I can get one, I do.
I'm tired a lot. Sometimes it is emotional. But, sometimes, it's plain ol' physical. At my job, I wish I could sit in front of a computer. Normally, I'm running here, there , and everywhere, going to meetings, making copies, talking to other co-workers, etc. When I'm at home, I try to not sit down unless I have to do something that requires me to sit down, like work on my laptop, fold laundry, write, etc. I always try to make sure that when I sit down, I have something to occupy my hands. Otherwise, it drives me crazy.
I think, personally, I'm tired because I can't give up the superwoman complex. I work outside the home but I still want my house and family to feel like I'm that same housewife. Kyle can vouch that I will stay up until the wee hours of the morning, cleaning and doing laundry. Two nights ago, I pulled out the vaccuum at 11 pm. It was, literally, the only chance that entire day I had to vaccuum.
So, anyways, I can only speak for myself. But, I think there are a million different reasons why people, of all ages, are tired.
And, I also wanted to point out that the reason you don't see kids outside playing as much anymore, is because the world has changed and parents no longer feel that it's safe to send their kids outside to play. That's just my observation...
Argh! I just wrote my comment and blogger lost it.
Basically what I wrote was the emphasis on family. It is true that young people aren't outside anymore because of the perverts that loom in every neighborhood. But, what if families rode bikes together, walked together, kicked the ball outside together? Exercise for all.
I think as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we recognize even more how important the family is and doing things together to strengthen the family.
Every topic that we seem to discuss, even down to the inauguration of Obama, comes back to our responsibility as parents to strengthen our families, to do everything possible to keep them strong. I was chatting with a family member about the inauguration and we decided that it doesn't matter who is in the White House. What matters is what we do in our own homes to take care of our children and each other.
So, whatever it takes to keep your family awake and feeling great, guide yourself in that direction and forget the world. The world will only lead us in the wrong direction. The prophet won't.
I believe the best thing for children ... is playing outside! They need the sunshine, they need the air, and they need to run and run and run. My three kids loved playing outside. Now ... I was a very over protected mommie, so ... I was always outside with them. I took a lawn chair and watched them play. And you know ... back in those days, I can honestly tell you that I knew the name of every neighbor on our street (it was a dead end street) ... when I'd go out, I'd also spend time talking with my neighbors.
In the while of writing the above paragraph ... I'm reminded of the fact that I don't do that anymore (meaning I don't sit outside and get to know my neighbors) ... oh, I know some of them, but nothing like I did when my kids were little.
I blame a lot of the lack of energy on soda drinks. Soda's have so much sugar which gives one a short burst of energy ... but that energy is quickly changed ... and the lack of energy takes over. It is of my opinion ... soda's (and sugar fruit drinks) are a MAJOR reason for kids and adults being so tired. Ask a tired kid if they've had a soda ... and how many.
And ... junk food! Kids eat way too much junk food. Diet plays a major part also. Remember the story of Daniel as a young boy?
And ... a good night rest is so important. Kids need that!
Anyways ... just thought I'd add a few comments, sharing my opinion (which is humble!) LOL :)
You want my honest opinion?? Priorities are messed up. Plain and simple. This generation doesn't want to put the time or effort into something of significant value or worth. They want what their parents took years to achieve and moreover they want it now. What happened to an honest days work... What happened to going to school and roughing it for several years....What happened to being ok with who you are and what you do.... Not everyone has to be rich or famous. Get over it. Suck it up. Because the end result is you're lazy! YOU have the ability to change your attitude, your lifestyle, your confidence level, and any other challenge that comes your way. We are here to live and learn...grow and advance so stop feeling sorry for yourself and move on in life :)
I think what we are finding here is that there are many reasons for this tired generation.
I agree with Theresea that sugar is killing our society in more ways than one. We are an overweight society, not only adults but children, too. My goodness. There are children on cholesterol medicine.
What would happen to these tired, medicated children if they were outside running around, playing hide 'n seek, riding bikes, etc.? And this can be done with mom or dad watching from the sidelines just like in the old days. Or why do mom and dad have to sit? Why can't they get on a bike or run around themselves?
I also believe that this world we live in is a quick fix, get it fast, hand it out to me world. Don't get me wrong. There are many, many people who work their tails off day in and day out. But, I do believe that the majority of the people, especially here in the good ol' US of A want a handout. They are used to, as Rich said, living in mom and dad's house and they want the same type of living whether they are married or single and living on their own. This mentality has put this country in severe debt and has caused the economic crisis we are in. Greed, pride--sound familiar? Read the Book of Mormon.
I am loving this discussion. It is giving me many things to think about. And one of them is to get my body moving more than it does. I am walking Hatcher, the dog, twice a day now; and I am amazed at how good I feel when we are finished walking. Is there something to this exercise thing? I wonder.
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