The following discussion is a reminder that getting sufficient sleep and rest should always remain a priority in our lives. It’s quite true that we have all had occasions where due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances we may be in for a few sleepless nights. However, we need to think in terms of the long run and not only how our health will be affected but also the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us. Analyzing the issues involved will keep us focused on the importance of sleep.

In today’s fast paced world, full of responsibilities, pressures, and worries there seems to always be a demand on our time. Running at this pace for prolonged periods of time eventually catches up and causes emotional, physical, and mental stress. Over scheduling takes place when we have our children in every sports activity, every theatrical production, every art class, etc…Being busy and never slowing down has become the equivalent of being happy, or a good mom, or whatever it is that we achieve to be. We have deadlines to meet, bills to pay, and our daily life responsibilities end up higher on the priority list. We need to take time to sleep and rest. Sleep is a great healer of physical and emotional stress. Naps are okay. Humans need sleep.

Being overly tired makes us irritable, clumsy, and slow. Studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours a night are at a higher risk of sleep-related motor vehicle crashes. Sleep loss amplifies the effects of chronic illness as well as mood disorders. Insomnia leads to depression and vice versa. Conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are harder to control when sleep is insufficient.

If you are a workaholic, you are affecting the lives of your friends, family, and possibly the quality of your work.

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