Not just an earthly problem!

Not that sleep-deprivation is the biggest danger to astronauts in space, this article includes some interesting sleep related facts:

• Nearly half of the medications the astronauts take with them are sleep aids
• Light sensitive cells in the eye use light to regulate the hormone melatonin, which in turn regulates our sleep-wake cycles, which is something that could also be used to help astronauts keep a sleep cycle

Mistakes made due to sleep deprivation could have even greater consequences in space so this is a big issue for NASA. Makes me wonder if the loss of that $100,000 tool bag recently was in part caused by astronaut fatigue. You can track its progress here.

Black Friday

I do have to say I don't understand those who went shopping this morning before the crack of dawn to look for bargains with thousands of their closest friends, sacrificing a good sleep. Hope it was worth it :-)

Naps

Here is a great article about many sleep issues, including the issue of fragmented sleep that I have troubles with, and the positive effect of a nap. It talks about how important sleep is specifically but also how a (power) nap can help your brain function better than when you are tired. Nap length and effectiveness depends on the individual person.

I have also discovered a good power nap podcast (NapSounds) on iTunes as well though the rooster crowing at the end of the 20 minute nap recording I find a little disconcerting...

Why do we battle the signal?

Sleep is such a critical part of everyone's health and without it our quality of life deteriorates quite rapidly (as many of us kn0w). Our body does a great job of telling us when we are hungry, thirsty, or injured. It also signals quite clearly when we need to sleep.

So why do so many of us (me included some times) battle that signal, sometimes with the help of caffeine or high-caffeine products? I do understand doing that to survive the work day, or the working of different hours, if you are very tired and have no real choice BUT doing this to excess is only going to give you short term gain for long term pain. Yes, you will go for longer than you otherwise could but this is a battle you will never win and ultimately your body will be negatively impacted by this "abuse" and you will pay the price.

Don't battle the sleep signal too long - you will be sorry you did and in the long run you will be happier and much more productive if you have had your needed sleep.