CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This Chapter, entitled The Problem and Background of the Study, aims to provide
insight on the content to be expected from the research to be conducted.
Introduction
Sleep is a biological state that is a natural part of every persons life. In fact, according to
the National Sleep foundation, we spend about one-third of our lives asleep. Nonetheless,
most people only generally know scarce details about the significance of this essential
activity. Sleep is not just something to fill time when an individual is inactive; sleep is a
necessity, not an option. Even though the exact functions of sleep remain enigmatic, sleep
is important for normal motor and cognitive function. All humans recognize and sense
when sleep is needed. After sleeping, we recognize positive effects; we feel rested and
more alert (Coren, S. 1996).
Despite the given facts, sleep deprivation is very prevalent in modern society. Many jobs
and tasks in particular require very long working hours; these working hours can extend
well beyond the usual bedtime of most people; this results in sleep deprivation. Sleep
deprivation takes place when sleep is insufficient to facilitate the satisfactory alertness,
performance, and health that society requires, either because of the reduction total sleep
time (decreased quantity) or fragmentation of sleep by awakenings in the middle of the
sleep cycle (decreased quality). When an individual is sleep deprived, emotional and

mental changes can be evident depending on the person (Kathy Radek and Gina Graci.
Combatting Sleep Disorders).
One example of a group that often experiences sleep deprivation is the student
demographic. Homework, projects and presentations are all activities that require
sufficient time to prepare in order to be successful, and with these activities
simultaneously being assigned to students, many of said students opt to sacrifice sleep for
preparation time (Cynthia and Justin Muchnick. Straight-A Study Skills).
Academic performance is the most important aspect of going to school. The purpose of
school is to facilitate learning and provide training so that students can survive a working
environment; that being said, it can also be considered as a job (Cynthia and Justin
Muchnick. Straight-A Study Skills). In the Philippines, academic performance in the
school is emphasized; students can come from different backgrounds, but their goal of
education is one and the same. (Aurelio and Rosita Elevazo. Philiosophy of Philippine
Education)
While being sleep deprived due to academics may seem diligent and noble, there are
many distractions that cause sleep deprivation among students such as on-line games,
books and leisurely activities with friends. With these statements, the researchers would
like to help students fix their sleep schedule by providing them with the results of this
research. Thats why the researchers aim to know the number of sleep deprived students,

their reasons for said sleep deprivation, and its subsequent effects on their academic
performance.
Statement of the Problem
With the information given, the researchers have formulated the following inquiries that
will guide the research:
1)

2)

3)

What is the profile of the respondent in terms of

Year level and section

Age

Gender

What are the causes of sleep deprivation in terms of

Different priorities of students

Number of workloads from school

What are the effects of sleep deprivation in terms of

Academic performances of students

Interest in studies

Conceptual Framework

Sleep Deprivation
Causes

Effects

Beverages that prevent sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Internet surfing

Insomnia

Socializing

Personality changes (e.g. irritability)

Schoolwork

Memory and concentration difficulties

Extra curricular activities

Energy levels depleting

Source: Kathy Radek and Gina Graci. Combatting Sleep Disorders

Firstly, based on this concept, the researchers concluded that students nowadays
experience sleep deprivation due to the presence of the said reasons. Secondarily, the
following effects, which apply to present day students, can easily be remedied by
eliminating the common reasons for being sleep deprived.

Significance of the study

In line with the essentialness of sleep in all of humanity, many groups will benefit from
this research. The following groups are the ones most likely to maximize the outcome of
this research:

Parents

This research will provide parents the knowledge on the effects of sleep deprivation on
their children, whether it is academic or social, and accordingly, will assist them in their

interactions with their children so that they might provide proper support and
understanding.

Professionals

Professional often encounter the same, if not, a heavier workload when compared to
students. This research can give them an estimate of the effectivity of their sleeping
habits compared to students who experience roughly the same problems.

Students

The information will be useful to give students insight on their limits and how they can
properly cope with it to maximize their capabilities. It can also assist students who wish
to change to a healthier sleep schedule.

Teachers

In a similar vein with the parents, teachers can gain understanding from this research
which can be crucial in forming a conducive learning environment where students can
thrive and maximize their potential.

Scope and delimitations

This investigation is conducted to determine the effects of sleep in the academic
performance in Siena College of Taytay only any unrelated topics to academics will not
be studied by our paper. This study aims to know the different causes and effects of
parental pressure and give solution to the students to lessen their stress at school. The
study does not cover other schools than Siena College of Taytay.

Definition of terms
Circadian rhythm Any biological process that follows a 24-hour format.
Efficiency The amount of tasks or work done in a period of time without compromising
quality.
Sleep A biological process in which an individual lays inactive to recuperate from day
to day activities.
Sleep Deprivation A state wherein sleep is not adequate to support daily activities.
Sleep Schedule The repetitive sleeping habit of a person in a Circadian rhythm.