Although a few studies have been conducted to disprove the belief that 8 hours of sleep is necessary for growth, many still continue hold on to it. Sleep is part of everybody's routine. However, only a few people know of its importance, some even try to get by it. Sleep is a need, not an option. It is something each one of us needs to do. Like exercise and diet, sleep is something humans need to be able to function normally. A biological clock is responsible for regulating the time of sleep. It programs the person's body to feel sleepiness during nighttime and be active during the day. Children and even adolescents need at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night.

Sleepiness is caused by inadequate amount of sleep. Whenever we get an hour less sleep we get a "sleep debt" which we need to "pay" the next time we go to bed. And when the "debt" becomes too big, it can lead to problem sleepiness, or sleepiness that occur during times when you are normally alert and awake. This can decrease your ability to function well and interferes with your daily activities and routines. Even if you do not feel sleepy, you can never escape the negative effects of your lack of sleep. Your daytime thinking, mood, and performance will be abnormal and sometimes, you get to sleep during inappropriate and sometimes even dangerous times. Problem sleepiness may have serious aftereffects. It puts adults and adolescents in danger when in their workplace or while driving. In children, it increases the risk and possibility of injuries and accidents. Moreover, it could also cause negative effects on children's extra curricular activities, school performance, and even on the playground. It can also cause unfavorable effects on the child's social relationships.

Lack of sleep may cause a decrease in:

• Reaction times
• Performance
• Consolidation of information learning
• Concentration

It may also cause an increase in:

• Mood problems
• Behavior problems
• Memory lapses
• Accidents and injuries

A child who had failed in having enough sleep may face mental and/or physical impairment which may lead to serious problems later on. The child may have difficulties in cooperating and concentrating during school and other activities and may even fall asleep in school. They may be irritable or throw tantrums. They may even exhibit behavioral problems. Children who are sleepy may become very active rather than sluggish and may be mistaken to being hyperactive. Not getting enough sleep may lead to having problem sleepiness. In adults, this may cause a low performance in their work. Untreated and undiagnosed sleeping disorders may also be a cause of problem sleepiness. Both children and adults may have sleeping disorders. Parents should consult their pediatrician if their child shows any of the following symptoms:

• Sleepiness during the day
• Problems in sleeping during the night
• Decrease in daytime performance that can not be explained
• Snoring
• Breathing pauses while sleeping