I can't remember the last time I got a nap like that. After a brutal, virtually sleepless 5-day stint at work, culminating with a 12-hour shift on labor day, I basically ran out of gas. When I came home Tuesday night, I basically crashed, and slept almost continuously until the same time Wednesday. If I slept two hours longer I think it would have been legally declared as a coma.
I've gone on less sleep before, having gone to school during the day and worked overnights simultaneously. I remember 36-hour days with no sleep. Last semester there were days I would have to do work and school in the same day, surviving on only 2 hours sleep, and still manage to go to the gym in between. At times I would make up the difference by drinking double shots of coffee, only in extreme cases. I can't stand the taste of the stuff, having never drank coffee before in my life. That trend did not last long.
Anyway, I never before realized the dangers of going on less sleep. There's always the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, especially for those who have a long drive such as myself. My drive from school to home is a little more than an hour. I have to drive from Westfield, MA to Albany, NY. I was behind the wheel, about halfway home, and I had started to drift off, and had trouble focusing on my driving. I came to the conclusion that I should pull off to a rest stop and catch a nap, for my own safety. This was the first time I had ever needed to do this in my life.
Needless to say I learned the value of a full night's rest. Proper sleep management is as important as any other time management, probably more important.
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I agree that sleep should be a priority. If you are so tired that you can not fully concentrate on the road then you should always pull over, because by continuing to drive you are not only putting your self in danger, but all of those around you. Also, there are so many other health detriments accompaning a lack of sleep. A slower metabolism, trouble focusing and fatigue are results of sleep deprivation that no one enjoys experiencing. Just like those highway signs say, "Take a break, for safety's sake!"
ReplyDeleteI definetly know that you mean greg! I have drifted off of the road before and it is a very scary thing! Its like you have no control over you eyes and they just close! you can turn up the radio and open your windows, but you still start ot pass out. Sleeping is so much fun, so comfortable and nice. I never want to miss another hour of sleep agian in my life!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Greg! I can defiantly relate to this post. Back in my senior year of high school in 2003 I was completely sober and driving home at 1:00 in the morning and fell asleep behind the wheel and hit a cement wall. After this happen to me I have changed up from an automatic car to a manual just because it keeps me more aware and for some reason I drive late at night a lot. Sleep should be a priority in ones life.
ReplyDeleteI agree, without sleep, the human body does not work efficiently. Many people have intakes of caffeine or substances to keep them awake and full of energy like Amps, but at the end of the day, the body needs rest. It is like a reset button for the body.
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