Why is Everyone so Tired?

 

      In 2003, one sleep expert announced it's the "dawn of the golden age of sleep research". If that statement is correct, then why is everyone so tired? Research on this topic has been conducted since the early 1900's and we're still looking for the answer. One thing we do know: there is no substitute for sleep. Just don't ask me why.

     The National Academy of Sciences estimates that 50-70 million Americans suffer from a "chronic disorder of sleep and wakefulness". Those numbers alone are enough to identify sleeplessness as a major problem in America. Lack of sleep can affect your ability to perform daily tasks and can lead to daytime drowsiness (The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause in 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths a year in the U.S), poor concentration (good luck on that test today) and inability to feel rested in the morning (have a nice day at work). It is no wonder that the schools and workplaces are filled with people who walk around looking like zombies.

     One possible cause: our work schedule dictates our sleep cycle. With over 70% of Americans working a 9am-5pm job, they have little choice on when to rise and when to sleep. If you are an early bird, you have no issue getting to bed early and waking up for work. Their issues arise at the end of the day when they struggle through the second half of the day. On the other hand, the night owls struggle when the alarm clock goes off and each morning swear that they will start getting to bed at an earlier hour. The problem is that sleeping from 11pm-7am is something that everyone is just not designed to do. Everyone's eternal clock is different. Some people may be more productive at 5 am than they are at 9 am and vice versa. Building your sleep cycle around your work schedule can be detrimental to your health (Google Results Oriented Work Environment. Very interesting way to do business).

     Over the long haul, lack of sleep can lead to more serious health problems than daytime drowsiness. Sleeplessness can lead to a variety of heart-related ailments, stroke, diabetes and is linked to depression and obesity. Sleep is vital and yet still a mystery. The more research that is conducted, the more confusion it seems to create. The best way to gauge your sleep is how you feel. If you awaken every morning feeling tired, then it is time to re-evaluate your schedule and make a concerted effort to adapt your sleep regiment.