Sleepless in America

A recent study on sleep deprivation indicated a direct correlation between accidents and an individual's sleep habits.  Diana Gant, a professor of psychology involved with these experiments stated that sleep is a matter of public and personal safety. It can be as hazardous to be sleep deprived as it is to be intoxicated.

The study found when people were provided a clean and comfortable bed with no external distractions, in a darkened room, most people averaged nine to 10 hours of sleep at an optimal temperature of 65 degrees. Some people still required an afternoon nap.

On average, most people only get seven to eight hours of sleep and some people get as little as four to five hours of sleep. Some of this can be attributed to various sleep disorders Gant stated. There are also people who believe that they are being more productive by staying awake longer. In the process they are depriving themselves of the sleep that they need.

Many people exercise to maintain their health stated the professor and not everybody would agree, but people should look at sleep as if it were an exercise. Sleep is healthy; and if someone does not get enough, sooner or later it will catch up with them.

The professor explained that not all of the evidence comes from laboratory experiments. There is correlating statistical data that links sleeplessness with accidents. Every spring when there is a shift to daylight savings time there is an 8 percent increase in accidents within the state. Gant stated that it is something similar to jet lag but on a national level. There is also a corresponding decrease in accidents when the time changes in the fall.

Major disasters can also be looked at. For example, the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The media focused on the possibility that the captain was drinking. Undershifting and long shifts may have caused the third mate to fall asleep at the wheel. Lack of sleep very well could be the culprit. Gant pointed out that the lack of proper sleep may have played a role in the Chernobyl nuclear reactor and the space shuttle Challenger disasters, too.

All researchers agree that a good night’s sleep is essential, Gant stated. There are some basic criteria to achieve this. Avoid tobacco, coffee and alcohol before going to sleep. Avoid foods such as chocolate or things containing sugar. When the effects of these wear off the brain becomes more active in the middle of the night causing you to wake up . One should always spend an hour relaxing before going to sleep possibly reading a book or watching some television. A quiet dark room with clean sheets and comfortable bed are the basic essentials for a good night’s sleep.