Photo: Side effects of missing sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for attention and learning during our waking hours.

When we are sleep deprived, we can’t focus on large amounts of information or sustain our attention

for long periods. Our reaction times are slowed. We are also less likely to be creative or discover hidden rules when trying to solve a problem. When you haven’t had enough sleep, your brain may force itself to shut down for a few seconds when you’re awake. During this “micro-sleep” you may become unconscious for a few seconds without knowing it. Drowsiness while driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, with sleep deprivation affecting the brain just as much as alcohol. Sleep deprivation can also lead to fatal accidents in the workplace – a major issue in shift workers.

Read the full article HERE.