I just arrived in Australia. After 20+ hours of travel and a seventeen-hour time difference, I have been thinking about the importance of sleep.
Bad news: People likely sleep less now than ever before.
Good news: The overall quality of people’s sleep is likely better (e.g., air conditioning, more privacy).
Sleep is beneficial. And the list of benefits is long:
-Better memory
-Improved concentration
-Improved problem solving
-Higher energy
-Enhanced physical recovery
-Better immune functioning
-Faster reaction time (which translates into a safer life – think driving)
-Resistance to depression
-Lowered anxiety and lowered irritability (i.e., better mood)
Good articles about sleep:
Science of sleep (The New Yorker)
Interesting infographic (Forbes)
The perfect sleep position (WSJ)
Athletes are starting to care more about sleep (Psych Today)
Sleeping well and keeping weight off (New York Times)
My tip: Switch off before bed