A new study done at Washington State University and concluded early May 2015 has found yet another reason we should be getting enough sleep. The research states that ‘The difference between life and death in the operating room, on the battlefield or during a police shootout often comes down to the ability to adapt to the unexpected. Sleep deprivation may make it difficult to do so.’

Over the years a good night sleep has been found to be important to one’s health and well-being.  Sleep helps your brain work properly, is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels, helps you function well throughout the day, have a better sex life, better mood and weight control, clearer thinking, better memory, stronger immunity, and many more such rewards. Many people do not give sleep the credit it deserves and hence skimp on a good night’s sleep.

Facilities at WSU’s Sleep and Performance Research Center
Photo credit: Washington State University

The study further notes that no matter how hard a person wants to make the right choice, sleep loss does something to the brain that simply prevents it from effectively using feedback. Hans Van Dongen, a widely recognised scientist in the area of sleep, said that “People in high-stakes environments are held accountable for their actions when they are fatigued just like everyone else; however, we now know that when someone is sleep-deprived their brain simply can’t process feedback from their actions and changing circumstances.’

“Our findings tell us that putting sleep-deprived people in perilous environments is an inherently risky business and raises a number of medical, legal and financial implications,” he said.

Lack of sleep is not only dangerous to one’s health and wellbeing but can prove detrimental to other parties too. The American Psychological Association gives pointers on sleeping well:

• Keep a regular sleep/wake schedule
• Don’t drink or eat caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize daytime use
• Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before sleep
• Get regular exercise
• Minimize noise, light and excessive hot and cold temperatures where you sleep
• Develop a regular bed time and go to bed at the same time each night
• Try and wake up without an alarm clock
• Attempt to go to bed earlier every night for certain period; this will ensure that you’re getting enough sleep

Therefore, it is imperative for everyone to get the needed sleep. Recommended hours are 16 for babies, 10 for 3- 18 year olds, 8 hours for 19- 55 year olds and 6 for those over 55.

Always remember: When sleep is sound, health and happiness abound.