Sleep

 

As Alex prepares to return to Harvard there are a number of educational modules she has to complete in response to the student surveys completed at semester end.

Today she completed one on alcohol use, one on sexual assault and one on sleep.

Apparently lots of students complained about their lack of sleep.  And that's the one she was working on while helping me with dinner tonight.  While I prepped the chicken and she set the table,  we listened to the latest statistics on sleep and more importantly the detriments of the lack of sleep. Most of it I had already learned but there were some good reminders and some new research I appreciated.  I like when we can learn together. 

Sleep deprivation triples your response time when driving and makes driving behaviors almost identical to driving while legally drunk.  (Alex immediately suggested those years of driving to early morning seminary couldn't have been safe.  This kid is not a morning person!). 

Consistency in having a consistent adequate sleep schedule  had the largest positive impact on weight loss, blood pressure, mood, diabetes, mental health and longevity.  

Some of the newest research shows that while we sleep the plaque buildup on the neurons in our brain is actually cleaned off.  Sleep actually makes us increase intellectual performance and decreases the likelihood that we will develop Alzheimer's as well.  

Caffeine use to allow us to perform better is less effective than adequate sleep.  If it must be used it should be kept at less than 500mg a day or the counter-effects outweigh any productivity and alertness gains.   College students right now average more than double that - primarily through coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks. 

On the flip side too much sleep and especially the practice of trying to catch up sleep on weekends is extremely inefficient.  Humans are creatures of habit and good habits can lead to healthier lives. 

Shutting off electronics thirty minutes before bed and increasing the darkness and quietness of our sleep environment were also encouraged.  

Ultimately as I listened I just thought about how little scientists still understand about the process of sleep and it's amazing role in refreshing and healing the toll this mortal life takes on our physical bodies.  It's an intricate process that was built in by our creators.  We are designed with purpose.  

Elder L Tom Perry quoted For the Strength of Youth in similarly advising us,

"The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. …"

This is an area I can definitely do better in.  It may take some intentional purging (especially of screen time!) and prayerful prioritization but I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect and set better goals.  Our bodies are worth taking care of.