The Costs of Short Sleep

Abstract

Sleep plays an important role in workers' lives, allowing them to relax, restore, and revitalize their bodies, minds, and emotions every 24 hours. Sleep repairs the physical body to improve and maintain general health, consolidate learning and memory, and recharge the psychological batteries to maintain emotional balance and well-being. Quality sleep is as important as nutrition or exercise in maintaining overall health. A nutritious diet provides vitamins and minerals to maintain body functions and generate adequate energy to perform daily tasks. Regular exercise keeps muscles toned, improves cardiovascular activity, and reduces stress. However, neither diet nor exercise replaces the need for sleep. With prolonged inadequate sleep, humans do not function well. They become accident prone, are less productive, and experience increased fatigue and health problems. This article discusses the importance of sleep, sleep events, health risks associated with inadequate sleep, and health care professionals' role in protecting employees and companies.