The theme for World Sleep Day 2024 is “Sleep Equity for Global Health,” which will emphasize the differences in sleep quality that exist among various populations as well as the significance of sleep as a cornerstone of health.

Personally, I have not been able to practice sleep hygiene as much as I would have liked to. But I try. I go to sleep at 10 p.m and wake up at 7 or 8 am. I also avoid coffee in the evenings and limit exposure to blue light at night.

The Science of Sleep

Sleep is vital to our existence, as evidenced by research from Ivy League universities. Research indicates that getting enough sleep is associated with better immune system performance, metabolism, memory, learning, and other critical processes.

A Columbia University Research longitudinal study, for example, posed that sleep deprivation can cause decreased judgment and reaction speed, which is similar to intoxication.

According to sleep medicine specialists at Harvard University, getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health rather than merely being a luxury.

Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein in his discussion the relationship between sleep deprivation and disease risk he says, “Consider the hidden costs before trading sleep for a few precious hours of wakefulness, as tempting as it may be. Sleep is also quite vital.“

Inadequate sleep raises the risk of major medical disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A shorter lifespan has been linked to chronic sleep deprivation.

Dr. Ann E. Rogers of Harvard Sleep Medicine

The Balance of Rest

It’s important to keep in mind that sleep does not impede productivity, despite the hustling culture that is gaining lots of attention lately. It’s actually precisely the reverse. Resting improves creativity, focus, and mood stability by revitalizing the mind, body, and spirit. sleep and rest are system reboots that prepare us for peak performance.

One of my clients, an athlete who came to my clinic for hip pain treatment, seconds me on this:

“I was able to obtain a competitive advantage as an athlete when I began to incorporate sleep into my training routine.”

“It was evident that rest is just as vital as physical training because getting better sleep speeds up recuperation and enhances performance, and vise versa,” he concluded.

Sleep and Productivity Bidirectional relation

There is a reciprocal relationship between productivity and sleep. While getting enough sleep might help one perform better at work, productivity gains can also enhance the quality of sleep. One gains from the other in this positive cycle. A well-rested person is more likely to be attentive, make fewer mistakes, and solve issues constructively.

The Fine Line

But there’s a thin line separating unproductive behavior and relaxation. We may feel more lethargic after getting too much sleep. It all comes down to striking the correct balance: rather than using sleep as a way to avoid responsibilities, we should use it to our favor.

The Mission Tonight

Let’s celebrate the power nap, blissful sleep, and beautiful sleep on this World Sleep Day. Rest should be prioritized not only for the sake of sleeping but also for the improved functioning it provides during our waking hours.

And remember, those dreams might just hold your next big idea

Happy World Sleep Day! Let’s rest, rejuvenate, and raise our potential.

WorldSleepDay #SleepEquity #GlobalHealth

This post first appeared on my founder’s LinkedIn Profile: @HoseaMosiahMachio