The frantic pace of modern society is leaving more Americans awake when they shouldn't be. Pressure to work often supercedes sleep as a priority. Restful sleep is as important as exercise or a healthy diet in maintaining overall health. But in spite of evidence showing the value of sleep, few Americans are acting to get the rest they need. A recent report from the National Institutes of Health stated, inadequate sleep or nonrestorative sleep has major implications for our productivity, health and well-being.
Lack of sleep restricts our effectiveness on the job.
Researchers investigating the effects of lost sleep on workers' performance find that often learning, memory and problem-solving skills are impaired and communication skills suffer. Fatigue affects our ability to concentrate. We make more mistakes and often experience difficulties with personal and co-worker relationships. Sleep loss has many other serious consequences. Too little sleep wears down our immune system, and we become more susceptible to illness.