Dead Tired (ATOM Study Guide)

Dead Tired is a two-part documentary series showcasing the latest science from around the world demonstrating that lack of sleep is slowly killing us. Shot in Australia, America, Canada and England, this is the first series to feature footage of what happens to a persons mind and body during chronic sleep deprivation and the cutting edge science uncovering why many of us feel sleep deprived. Episode 1, Awake is the New Sleep, investigates how sleep deprivation causes sickness and death in todays society. Episode 2, Planet Insomnia, investigates the causes, consequences and cures for insomnia now the worlds most common medical disorder. Tiredness has become a sinister killer thats spreading like a pandemic through todays 24/7 activity-driven society. Discover where the experts believe this is heading and what the solutions are.

The programs explore the sometimes hidden physical, psychological, emotional and social consequences of not having enough sleep. The tiredness epidemic affects us all and has consequences for our physical health and ability to function.

The program would be of particular interest to middle and senior secondary students as well as to tertiary students. While the science of sleep and sleeplessness is the focus of these programs, the research is presented in such a way that the many human faces of tiredness and the consequences of this in peoples daily lives is made clear. The program could be shown to students of General Science, Biology, Health and Personal Development, Psychology, SOSE/HSIE and Media Studies.

The activities in this guide offer students a hands-on approach to understanding the role of sleep (and lack of it) in their own and other peoples lives. Students are asked to monitor their own sleep patterns to help them understand the science of sleep.