In the frenetic pace of our lives, many of us may choose to cut down the amount of sleep in order that we can complete more tasks in the space of one day.
So instead of the recommended minimum of eight hours, you frequently don’t get to bed until after midnight, although you have to be awake again at 6am, if not before. Plus the fact you often take some time to fall asleep because your brain is still in ‘work mode’.
However, a prolonged reduction in sleeping time eventually means a prolonged reduction in mental acuity and concentration during the day ... so beware! Sleep is vital to your very existence, no matter who you are and what you do.
Different for everyone
Individuals vary greatly in their physical and mental needs. And that includes not only sleep but food and mental stimulation, among other essentials. In general, it has been proven that the human ‘battery’ needs adequate time to recharge. And that analogy is appropriate because both cars and humans have cells that discharge their energy to complete required tasks, and that state of depletion needs to be rectified on a regular basis.
If our energy state is near discharged level, then our car may, or may not start. But if it does, it may still stall.
In nature, the basis for survival is energy — energy to hunt for food to obtain the necessary nutrients for life. But in addition to food, we also need regular sleep. There is no animal that can exist for very long without sufficient sleep — and humans are the only mammals who are unwise enough to try.
Sleep deprivation not only saps our energy, it also weakens our immune system and leaves us open to range of health problem.
What are the signs?
Lack of sleep also affects our behaviour and thought patterns. Research has shown that going 24 hours without sleep can lead a healthy person to display symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
Feeling tired or drowsy at any time during the day is a symptom of inadequate sleep, but there are other major signs.
* Slurred speech: Having problems with speaking can be an indication that you are sleep-deprived. The front lobe of the brain, which is greatly impacted by sleep deprivation, is associated with your speech, as well as with constructive and creative thinking.
* You are hungrier than usual. Although you have had breakfast by the time you reach the office, you having a craving for some biscuits. Or you may not even reach the office and buy something on the way in. Sleep deprivation can make you hungrier than usual because it affects two hormones that regulate our appetite: leptin and ghrelin. When we don’t get enough sleep, the level of leptin (the satiety hormone) increases whilst ghrelin (the hunger hormone) reduces.
* You are clumsy and keep dropping things. Sleep problems can cause issues with motor skills, such as being unsteady on your feet and stumbling when carrying your things — or just being generally careless.
* You are forgetful. Because sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and emotional processing, it could be that you are not getting enough sleep.
* You are irritable and argumentative. Of course, you can blame everyone else. It is not you, but they who are out of step. Is it? It is easy to blame the world and not take responsibility for your own behaviour. However, look out for the warning signs. Some of the best advice we can take comes from others who notice a change in your behaviour. My suggestion is to listen to what other people are saying about you and do not ignore them.
* A problem with concentration can be a major sign of sleep deprivation and may affect your ability to make quick decisions.
* You are always sick. An insufficiency of sleep can affect your immune system and how fast you recover if you do get sick. Sleep, like water, is really essential for good health. Make sure you get enough of both. Sleep well.
Key points
* Sleep is as important as food and water.
* Any insufficiency can cause major problems.
* Want to be super-efficient? Then get sufficient sleep
