Petroleum is Essential to Making Many Pharmaceuticals

Americans love their vehicles and the independence they offer to go wherever and whenever they please. Americans also enjoy their use of pharmaceuticals with “a pill for every ill” mentality. Some people think that we should eliminate or reduce our dependence on both petroleum and pharmaceuticals, while others embrace the need for more. Ironically, petroleum-based chemical compounds are essential in the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals that milions of Americans rely upon for daily life. Many medicinal compounds are derived from petrochemicals, which are produced from the refining of crude oil and natural gas. Most of these chemicals are toxic and/or poisonous depending upon the concentration. As in many things, too much or too little can be dangerous. Even drinking too much water (water intoxication) or breathing too much oxygen (hyperventilation syndrome) can have detrimental side effects. So while many people may support reduction or even elimination of petroleum, ironically some people’s lives may actually depend upon the petroleum industries’ continued usage to produce pharmaceuticals.

Here are some examples of the most common petroleum-based chemical compounds and their usage in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals:

1. Benzene Derivatives

Benzene is a fundamental building block in the production of numerous pharmaceutical compounds.
- Uses: Benzene derivatives are used to produce analgesics, antihistamines, and other drugs. For example:
  - Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) production involves benzene derivatives as starting materials.
  - Phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is derived from benzene.
- Intermediate Compounds:
  - Aniline: A benzene derivative used in the production of paracetamol (acetaminophen).
  - Phenol: Often used in the synthesis of antiseptics and disinfectants, phenol is also a precursor in the production of various pharmaceuticals.

2. Ethylene and Propylene Derivatives

Ethylene and propylene are the simplest alkenes and are derived from petroleum cracking.
- Uses: These compounds are used to create solvents, intermediates, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). For example:
  - Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Widely used as a solvent and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals.
  - Ethylene oxide: Used in the production of antibiotics, including azithromycin.
- Intermediate Compounds:
  - Ethylene glycol: Used in the synthesis of certain antibiotics and antifreeze proteins.
  - Propylene glycol: Used as a solvent in oral, injectable, and topical pharmaceutical formulations.

3. Toluene Derivatives

Toluene, like benzene, is an aromatic hydrocarbon derived from petroleum.
- Uses: Toluene derivatives are key in synthesizing a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including antiseptics, sedatives, and analgesics.
  - Synthesis of diazepam (Valium), a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and seizures, involves toluene-based intermediates.
- Intermediate Compounds:
  - Benzaldehyde: Used in the synthesis of sedatives and antipsychotics.
  - Benzoic acid: A precursor for numerous drugs, including antimicrobial agents and antifungals.

4. Xylene Derivatives

Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon derived from petroleum refining.
- Uses: Xylene is used in the manufacture of a variety of drugs, especially in the creation of pharmaceutical intermediates and solvents.
  - Phthalic anhydride, a derivative of xylene, is used in the production of certain plasticizers and pharmaceutical excipients.

5. Methanol

Methanol, often derived from methane, is a component of natural gas, and is a crucial feedstock in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Uses: Methanol is a precursor to formaldehyde, which is used in the synthesis of various antibiotics, vaccines, and vitamins.
  - Vitamin A and E production often require methanol as a solvent.
- Intermediate Compounds:
  - Formaldehyde: Used in vaccines and sterilization processes, as well as in the synthesis of many organic compounds.

6. Alkylating Agents

Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, are both derived from petrochemical processes and are used as alkylating agents.
- Uses: These compounds are fundamental for creating certain antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and other therapeutic drugs.
  - Cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil, both chemotherapy drugs, are synthesized using alkylating agents.

7. Isoprene Derivatives

Isoprene, a component of natural rubber, can be synthesized from petrochemical processes.
- Uses: Isoprene derivatives are used in the production of various drugs, including cardiovascular medications and biologics.
  - Digoxin, a drug used to treat heart conditions, requires isoprene-based chemistry.

8. Acetylene Derivatives

Acetylene, refined from petrochemicals, is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals.
- Uses: Acetylene-based compounds are critical in creating anesthetics and certain antibiotics.
  - Local anesthetics such as lidocaine are produced from acetylene derivatives.

9. Petroleum-based Alcohols

Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) is a petroleum-derived solvent used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the consumer market.
- Uses: It is used in drug formulations, as a sterilization agent, and as a solvent in the production of active ingredients.

10. Paraffins and Paraffin Derivatives

Paraffins (alkanes), derived from petroleum refining, are used in ointments, creams, and as bases in many topical pharmaceuticals.
- Uses: They serve as carriers for active ingredients and stabilizers in various medicinal formulations.

Conclusion

Petroleum-based chemical compounds, including benzene derivatives, toluene, xylene, ethylene, propylene, and various alcohols and solvents, are crucial in the synthesis, formulation, and production of many pharmaceuticals despite being toxic and poisonous chemicals. These compounds not only provide the raw materials needed for drug development but also enable the mass production of medications that are viewed by many as essential for modern healthcare. I provide this information so that people can hopefully be better informed as to what they are putting into their bodies. Whether these compounds and their potential risks may be argued as acceptible or detrimental is up to the individual to determine.

References:

Benzene Derivatives

Ghatak, S. (2019). Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Therapeutic Aspects of Biomacromolecules. This book covers benzene’s role as a key starting material in the synthesis of drugs like aspirin and acetaminophen.
Goldman, L., & Schafer, A. I. (2015). Goldman-Cecil Medicine (25th ed.). This reference discusses benzene derivatives in the context of analgesics, such as aspirin and phenylbutazone.

Ethylene and Propylene Derivatives

Miller, R. W., & Freund, H. A. (1999). “Ethylene and Propylene in Pharmaceutical Production.” Journal of Industrial Chemistry. This paper explores how ethylene and propylene are used in pharmaceutical solvents like polyethylene glycol.
The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. The entry on polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol confirms their roles as solvents and excipients.

Toluene Derivatives

Clarke, E. C. W., & Amador, R. V. (2010). Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemical Synthesis. This book highlights the role of toluene in synthesizing diazepam and other benzodiazepines.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. The entry on toluene discusses its use in producing pharmaceutical intermediates like benzoic acid and benzaldehyde.

Xylene Derivatives

Pavia, D. L., Lampman, G. M., & Kriz, G. S. (2015). Introduction to Organic Laboratory Techniques: A Microscale Approach. This book mentions xylene’s role in pharmaceutical chemistry, including phthalic anhydride’s use as an intermediate.
Morrison, R. T., & Boyd, R. N. (2011). Organic Chemistry. This textbook explores xylene derivatives used in pharmaceutical synthesis.

Methanol

Lichtenthaler, F. W. (2006). “Carbohydrates as Organic Raw Materials.” Carbohydrate Research. This article discusses the importance of methanol in pharmaceutical synthesis, especially for vitamin production.
Ansell, M. F. (2005). Comprehensive Organic Synthesis (Vol. 1)*. This text includes the role of methanol as a solvent and its derivation from petrochemical sources.

Alkylating Agents

Roberts, J. D., & Caserio, M. C. (1977). Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry. This foundational textbook discusses the use of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide as alkylating agents in chemotherapy drug production.
Weiss, R. B., & Harlow, G. J. (2000). Alkylating Agents in Cancer Treatment. This article focuses on how alkylating agents derived from petrochemicals are crucial for drugs like cyclophosphamide.

Isoprene Derivatives

Saito, S., & Ohyama, T. (1995). “Isoprene and Its Applications.” Advanced Materials Research. This article highlights the use of isoprene derivatives in cardiovascular drugs such as digoxin.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. The entry on isoprene explains its importance in the production of pharmaceuticals and biologics.

Acetylene Derivatives

Sundberg, R. J. (1996). Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry III. This reference provides detailed information about acetylene’s use in producing local anesthetics like lidocaine.
Hoch, F. L. (2003). “Acetylene Chemistry: Synthesis and Applications.” Journal of Chemical Education. This paper explains how acetylene derivatives are employed in synthesizing anesthetics.

Petroleum-based Alcohols

Knox, S. (2011). Solvents and Cosolvents in Pharmaceutical Applications. This book covers the role of isopropyl alcohol as a solvent and sterilization agent in pharmaceutical production.
Dunn, W. (2005). Handbook of Solvents in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. This text includes isopropanol and its derivation from petrochemical sources for drug formulation.

Paraffins and Paraffin Derivatives

Gennaro, A. R. (2000). Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20th ed.). This reference discusses the use of paraffins in topical formulations and as carriers for active ingredients.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. The section on paraffins details their role in pharmaceutical ointments and creams.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

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Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

The Complex Dependency on Petroleum in America and the Start of the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene is a term for a geological epoch following the Holocene, dating from the starting point of significant human impact on Earth up to the present day. Some people may see this as having begun with the colonization of the Americas around 1610 or with the years of the Industrial Revolution around 1760-1840. The 1940s and 1950s brought the “Great Acceleration” with major technological advances with nuclear weapons and the use of petroleum products.

Do you have a smartphone, iPad, computer, or other electronic devices?

Wear apparel like clothes and shoes that are made of polyester, nylon, or spandex?

Enjoy driving on paved roads?

Use cosmetics, eyeglasses, pharmaceuticals?

Live with the convenience of plastic products and packaging of items from the grocery store?

Use electricity, plumbing, and air conditioning in your car, home, or office?

How many of the former are you willing to give up to reduce the impact on the environment?

In recent years, there has been an increased interest among Americans to reduce the use of petroleum-based products. A desire to minimize climate change and other environmental concerns has driven this shift. Many concerned citizens, activists, and politicians, advocate for reducing the nation’s dependence on petroleum, looking for a future where alternative sources of energy may replace fossil fuels. While this goal is commendable, it often ignores the deeply embedded role that petroleum and its based products play in almost every aspect of daily life. Way beyond fueling combustion vehicles and equipment of many types, petroleum is fundamental to the production of countless products that Americans and the rest of the world use daily. Consequently, reducing petroleum use is more complex than it appears, and to ignore this reality may be, in many ways, delusional.

One of the most commonly seen and experienced uses of petroleum is in transportation. Gasoline and diesel power are still the majority of vehicles on the road despite the rise of electric cars and hybrid vehicles. Gas combustion engines remain the primary method of transportation for most Americans. The infrastructure supporting these gas vehicles is also dependent upon petroleum. Roads are paved with asphalt, which is a petroleum byproduct, as vehicles themselves run on tires made from petroleum-derived materials. Even with a focused push toward electric transportation, roads, and tires remain essential to everyday living, along with countless other petroleum-based components.

Beyond transportation, petroleum’s contribution to consumer goods is far-reaching. Many Americans might not know that much of the clothing they wear consists of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are both made from petroleum. The decades-old popularity of athletic and leisurewear, known for its comfort and durability, further binds the average consumer to petroleum-based products. The dependency doesn’t end there. Plastic packaging, found in almost every store, business, office, and household, is made from petroleum. From food containers to household and industrial cleaning supplies, petroleum-based plastics make daily life more convenient, despite their environmental impact. Single-use plastics such as grocery bags, fast-food containers, and water bottles are common examples of how petroleum has become embedded into our daily routines.

Petroleum is also vital to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Plastics are fundamental for the packaging of healthcare products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Various synthetic drugs depend on petrochemicals for their production, and plastic-based medical equipment and instruments are vital to maintaining sterile environments in hospitals and clinics. Healthcare as we know it, would not exist without the use of petroleum-based products. American society’s dependency on this resource is far more complex than simply putting gas in a car.

Petroleum’s importance also extends into the technology sector. From smartphones to computers, electronics are filled with various components made from petroleum-based plastics. Household and office wiring use insulation materials, necessary for transmitting electricity and data, which also come from petroleum. This technology in electronics is used by activists to spread awareness about climate change, ironically using petroleum products in their design and functionality. This creates quite a paradox where there is a desire to eliminate petroleum use, but where one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, technology, remains deeply intertwined with it.

Understanding this complex network of petroleum dependencies, the ongoing demonization of petroleum companies by some individuals, activists, and politicians seems somewhat disconnected from reality. Petroleum extraction and its usage indeed have significant environmental consequences. However, the idea that we can simply eliminate petroleum from our lives without enduring major disruptions and/or changes to our daily routines, technological advancements, and healthcare systems is quite unrealistic. The thrust to demonize petroleum companies often disregards the benefits petroleum provides in many various sectors of society, extending well beyond just transportation and energy.

Renewable energy sources have increased and hopefully will continue to grow, however, the transition away from petroleum will be a long and expensive evolution. Actions that will reduce petroleum use should be based on valid information and on the reality that petroleum plays an irreplaceable role in many critical industries. Instead of focusing only on eliminating petroleum, perhaps a more balanced approach is needed. Advocacy actions should bring to light the need to reduce unnecessary wasteful petroleum consumption while also acknowledging its key applications in areas like public healthcare and technology.

To completely abandon petroleum is somewhat delusional. The transition toward a more sustainable future will require significant changes in habits, infrastructure, manufacturing, and attitudes. It will also require a more broad view of petroleum, where its environmental impacts are managed through logic, innovation, and compromise. Instead of demonizing petroleum in its entirety, actions should focus on lessening the environmental footprint of its extraction and use, while simultaneously encouraging the development of realistic alternatives.

In conclusion, the push to reduce petroleum use in America is understandable and necessary for addressing climate change as well as other environmental concerns. However, the reality is that petroleum is deeply rooted in the fabric of modern life. From the vehicle we drive to the clothes and shoes we wear, the healthcare we receive, and the technology we are reliant on and often addicted to, petroleum touches almost every aspect of society. Moving away from petroleum will be a very complicated and gradual evolutionary process, requiring foresight, logic, innovation, balance, and a realistic understanding of its current function in our daily lives. The path to a sustainable future must address both the need for change and the reality of our current dependence on petroleum.

References:

Malhi, Y., Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, & University of Oxford. (2017). The concept of the anthropocene. In Annual Review of Environment and Resources (p. 25.1-25.28). http://www.zeeli.pro.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2017-MALHI-The-concept_of_the_anthrop.pdf

Petroleum products – Illinois Petroleum Resources Board. (2023, September 27). Illinois Petroleum Resources Board. https://iprb.org/industry-facts/petroleum-products/

McDaniel, W. (2024, May 14). Fact Sheet: Everyday Products & Uses — COGA. COGA. https://www.coga.org/factsheets/everyday-products-uses

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit

Last week I led a discussion on improving balance (mental, physical, and spiritual awareness) at the University Club of Winter Park, I would gladly speak again at other locations if anyone cares to reach out to me. Below is a brief summary of the topics that were discussed.

https://youtu.be/ayivzXu-TKI?si=9iD0vtEUf1KoCbTr

This video was a discussion about holistic health, which is a way of looking at the whole person, including the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Harmony is achieved when the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are in balance. These components are all deeply interconnected. If you are physically balanced, you are more likely to feel mentally balanced. If you are mentally balanced, you are more likely to be able to connect with your spirituality.

The following main components of balance:

Physical balance: This refers to the ability to maintain your equilibrium. It is important for many activities, such as walking, running, and playing sports.
Mental balance: This refers to the ability to manage your thoughts and emotions. It is important for your overall well-being and for your ability to cope with stress.
Spiritual balance: This refers to your sense of connection to something larger than yourself. It can be a connection to nature, to other people, or to a higher power.

I offered some tips on how to improve balance. These tips include:

Doing balance exercises regularly. There are many different balance exercises that you can do, such as practicing tai chi, qigong, yoga, pilates, standing on one leg, or even walking on uneven surfaces.
Practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you to reduce stress and improve your mental balance.

____________

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

Earn a Good Night’s Rest – Sleep Hygiene (part 2)

(Part 2 of 2)

The quality of your sleep can affect your health and well-being. Habits and practices can either promote or hinder quality sleep. By better understanding the implementation of specific sleep hygiene practices, one can improve overall sleep quality and relative health and well-being. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults should get 7 hours of sleep per night, while children and teens require more. A third of US adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Lack of sleep has been
associated with the development and management of several chronic diseases and ailments such as obesity, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Sleep and Sleep Disorders, 2023).

I have studied and practiced many sleep methods/behaviors and their relationship with exercise, meditation, and other mind/body practices. What we do or don’t do during our waking hours can determine the quality of our sleep at night. Conversely, how well we sleep, and duration can affect the quality of our waking hours also. Practicing stress relieving exercises and behaviors during the day such as yoga, mindful breathing, meditation, and tai chi, (A Prescription for Tai Chi? A UCLA Researcher Works to Position This Ancient Mind-body Practice Into Mainstream Medicine Nationwide. – Document – Gale General OneFile, 2024) and many other physical exercise methods, can help the mind and body to better process information and rejuvenate during the sleep stages. Mental output and activity often become stressful when we try to work, manage family duties, solve finances, and manage hundreds of other daily tasks. A good night’s rest is most often earned by what we eat, what we think, and what types of physical activity/exercise we practice throughout the day. This is what I have learned and experienced from my own anecdotal experiences.

Diabetes – Studies show that poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Sleep duration and quality are predictors for levels of Hemoglobin A1c, an important marker for blood sugar control. Research posits that sleep duration and quality may be important factors in improving blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes.

Obesity – Research shows that short sleep duration results in metabolic changes that may be associated with obesity. Other studies have also reported a link between excess body weight and short sleep duration. This link has been seen in all age groups and is particularly pronounced in children. It is suggested that sleep quality in childhood and adolescence is very important for brain development. Lack of sleep in children may affect the hypothalamus, which modulates appetite and the utilization of energy.

Cardiovascular Disease – Those suffering from sleep apnea are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Stroke, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, and coronary heart disease are thought to be more common for persons with sleep disorders. Also sleep apnea and hardening of the arteries seem to share common physiological characteristics, whereas sleep apnea may be another predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Depression – Poor sleep quality has been known to be a symptom of depression. Research shows that depressive
symptoms may diminish once sleep apnea has been treated where appropriate sleep is restored. The association between sleep and depression posits that it is important for those with depression to be aware of sleep disorders, as those persons with sleep disorders need to be observed for issues with depression (Sleep and Chronic Disease, 2022).

Key Sleep Disorders:

Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Sleep Apnea
Restless Leg Syndrome

I found this topic of sleep hygiene to be very expansive. I have listed below behaviors that can be implemented to help ensure more sleep duration and better quality.

Refrain from eating or drinking much within 3 hours before bedtime.

Reduce consuming caffeinated or alcoholic drinks later in the day.

Eliminate afternoon naps after 3 p.m. if you usually sleep well during the night.

Perform some type of exercise every day.

Exercise or physical activity engaged close to bedtime can make it more difficult for some to fall asleep.

Follow a consistent schedule to help relax before sleep; shower, bathe, listen to music, read, etc.

Go to sleep when you are tired and try to rise at the same time each morning.

Reduce viewing lighted screens, such as TV, computer, or smartphone before going to bed.

Keep the bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.

Use a sleeping mask, earplugs, or a fan, to block light and reduce sounds.

Keep stimulus away from you and your bed. Accessing your phone, TV, or food while in bed can make it more difficult to fall asleep while in bed (Sleep and Your Health | Office on Women’s Health, n.d.)

References:

A Prescription for Tai Chi? A UCLA researcher works to position this ancient mind-body practice into mainstream medicine nationwide. (2024, March). Healthy Years, 21(3), 1+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A783577598/ITOF?u=vol_vsc&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=07847cf8

Module 6. Improving your Sleep and Alertness, Create a Good Sleep Environment (Continued) | NIOSH | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod6/03.html

Sleep for a good cause. (2022, July 28). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-sleep.html

Sleep and sleep disorders. (2023, March 23). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html

Sleep and your health | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/sleep-and-your-health

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

Earn a Good Night’s Rest – Sleep Hygiene (part 1)

(Part 1 of 2)

Sleep is a natural regularly occurring physiological function, where humans and other animals reduce physical and mental activity, lessen responsiveness to stimuli, and particular patterns of brain activity occur (Ettinger 2018). Prolonged lack of sleep or sleep deprivation can cause impaired memory formation as well as adverse effects on the brain’s other cognitive functions such as learning, language, reason, and perception. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to significant mental diseases, such as depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder (Horowitz, 2020). Physical problems attributed to consistent lack of sleep include weakening of the immune system, headaches, heart disease, fainting, weight gain or weight loss, blurred vision, and hernias. Other related ailments may include obesity, cancer, stroke, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney failure. Severe sleep deprivation in humans can also be fatal, where a rare neurological ailment called fatal familial insomnia, results in damage to areas of the thalamus (Horowitz, 2020).

Studies with REM-deprived sleep participants showed the effects of decreased ability to concentrate on tasks, increased irritability, hostility, anxiousness, and aggressiveness. Studies also showed that REM-starved participants entered into REM sleep almost as soon as they were permitted to nod off, throughout a one-week experiment. Participants experienced a REM rebound effect, where they spent roughly 50 percent more time in REM than they did before the start of the experiment. This REM rebound effect seems to occur immediately after a duration of forced wakefulness during a night’s sleep. Physiological changes in animals have been observed in other studies regarding REM deprivation, with effects of weight loss, deteriorated appearance, skin lesions, increased energy expenditure, decreased body temperature, and even death. Researchers think that if humans experienced similar circumstances of sleep deprivation used in animal studies, similar outcomes would present (Ettinger 2018).

Studies show that sleep is necessary, but exactly why is not clear. Theories exist that we require sleep to conserve energy, avoid predation, and memory aid. However, none of these theories are widely accepted by psychologists. Another theory is that sleep helps in mental and physical restoration. Sleep is thought to restore resources that are drained during our daily activities. Studies show that people often sleep longer after particularly tiring events helps to support this theory. Unsettled evidence shows that specific types of tissue restoration might happen during sleep. Growth hormone is secreted at increased levels during Stage 4 sleep as well as brain neurotransmitters possibly being restored during sleep. Other research indicates that sleep is essential for brain homeostasis. Additionally, research suggests that metabolic waste that accumulates from neural activity is eliminated from the brain and cerebral spinal fluid, while only occurring during sleep (Ettinger 2018). This theory has merit, as other relative studies offer further evidence of sleep quality affecting health and well-being, specifically with intensive care unit (ICU) patients (Pisani, 2015). I find it hard to discredit this theory, just based on personal experience with almost everyone I have ever known or met, expressing how much more restored, refreshed, and energetic they are when they have regular quality sleep.

I feel that American culture in general, does not pay much attention to preventing disease and illness, let alone the specific issue of sleep deprivation. We have gradually grown into a nation where we live for our pleasures today, with little regard for the consequences that will come tomorrow. Many see modern allopathic medicine and its many pharmaceutical options, as the only path to fix all of our ills. There is a plethora of medications that we can take to keep us awake when we don’t get enough sleep. Conversely, we also have a wide variety of other pharmaceuticals to help us sleep when we are too awake, anxious, or stressed. I have two college-aged kids, who are learning how to manage and navigate their college lives of studies and social life, while also trying to stay safe and healthy in the process. I don’t really think the issue of college student sleep deprivation has changed much over the last few decades, as far as young adults exercising their independence and learning of their limits. What has changed, I believe is the acceptance of legal as well as illegal drugs being used to manage the ups and downs of coping with the on-campus “college life”. Additionally, the last 2 years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly added to the recipe for potential psychological issues. Many people of all ages have experienced stress as they attempt to balance their relative circumstances. Many people were inside more which may have led to a more sedentary lifestyle, eating more poor-quality food, drinking more alcohol, consuming more recreation and medicinal drugs, and other issues that can affect the quality of sleep. Consequently, I think the more relative issue that is yet to unfold, is how has the management of the pandemic affected sleep quality across many demographics? This topic will probably take years to study to draw any logical conclusions.

References:

Ettinger, R. H. (2018). Psychology: The Science of Behavior (6th ed.). BVT Publishing.

Horowitz, D. (2020). Sleep deprivation. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.

Pisani, M. (2015). Sleep in the intensive care unit: An oft-neglected key to health restoration. Heart & Lung : The Journal of Critical Care, 44(2), 87. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.01.007

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119