Question

Which of the following statements about human sleep are true?

1) A lack of sleep for several weeks will likely result in death.
2) Growth hormone increases at night.
3) Body temperature decreases at night.
4) Adults, on average, need about 7.5 hours of sleep a night.
5) The need for sleep increases with age.

Answer 1

Among the statements about human sleep, growth hormone increases at night, body temperature decreases at night, and adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep, with fewer than 7 hours required as people age over 65. Sleep deprivation is serious but death within a few weeks is not guaranteed, and the need for sleep does not increase with age.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address your question about human sleep, here are the answers to your statements:

1. A lack of sleep for several weeks is extremely harmful, and while there are recorded instances of serious consequences, death is typically due to indirect effects of sleep deprivation rather than a direct result. Long-term sleep deprivation is associated with various health issues, including cognitive deficiencies and increased mortality risk, but it does not invariably lead to death within weeks.
2. Growth hormone secretion does indeed increase at night during sleep, which is crucial for growth and repair processes in the body.
3. During sleep, body temperature tends to decrease as part of the normal circadian rhythm, helping to facilitate sleep.
4. It is generally recommended that adults get about 7-9 hours of sleep each night, although the exact amount can vary from person to person.
5. The need for sleep does not necessarily increase with age; in fact, older adults may require less sleep, averaging fewer than 7 hours per night.

In conclusion, statements 2), 3), and 4) are true, while 1) is not strictly accurate, and 5) is false given that the need for sleep typically decreases with age.