WHY SLEEP?

Sleeplessness doesn’t only exist in Seattle. It is becoming a world wide phenomenon. The number of those over 50 who suffer from insomnia is multiplying at a horrific rate. Ads for sleep aids are proliferating and are indicative of our restless stressed filled society. Spas by the day, hour, week or month offering every service imaginable are sprouting to fill the void. Sleep clinincs have become anew business. We now have a society based on run hard, play hard and relax hard. Something is wrong with this picture.

As we work longer hours, not less, our physiological systems go on overload and sleep comes with greater difficulty. Youngsters are becoming so bonded to their electronic attachments and video games that at a very early age, their psychoneurolgical biological systems go into overload and actually freeze increasing symptoms such as ADD, ADHD, and irritability. One result of this premature developmental halt is that we have a greater amount of people on medications than ever before. Contrary to common sales pitches, we do need sleep.

My friend Francoise introduced me to "Snooze . or Lose ! 10 "no-War"Ways to Improve your Teen's Sleep Habits. by Helen A. Emsellem, M.D. with Carol Whiteley, published by Joseph Henry Press, Wash, DC. addresses this issue.

Sheand I agree that the style is at times a bit trying, but the information is excellent, and applicable to everyone, I believe, not just teens. The impact of changes in our lives from rural to IT is having serious consequences world-wide. I suggest that we take the message to heart. In order to function at our best, we do need rest.

Sleep deprivation increases corporate problems and the macho attitude about flying here, there and everywhere, arriving jetlagged and sleep deprived impacts us all. Advice to corporate culture and senior management. Bottom line: have a policy with regard to sleep. Do not condone any kind of schedule of work that requires people to be without an opportunity for enough sleep. Treat sleep deprivation as you would drinking and drunkenness. An added extra: rest can help keep your sex life active. And intimacy helps keep people vital, healthy and alive.