Sleep Debt Repaid

I woke at 8 am a little surprised at the time. If I feel asleep at 10 or 10:30, I had slept more than nine hours. Nine hours plus is pretty rare for me, but it has a consistent effect: I have noticeably more energy and my mood is bumped up. I'm happier. Sleep debt is a real phenomenon and very common. I have a vague recollection of animal research in which sleep time is manipulated. When animals are allowed to sleep to satisfaction they are healthier and live longer. Sleep is good for us; it makes the waking hours fuller, richer, and more vibrant. Unfortunately, we tend to be suspicious of those who sleep long hours. Sleep is subtly equated with laziness. Oppositely, getting by on little sleep is vaguely heroic. You can imagine two guys bragging about who gets less sleep. This slightly warped value system might be a consequence of the American work ethic. Work is good, and working hard is commendable. I buy all that, but then we make the mistake of concluding that sleep takes away from productively living. That's the error that needs correcting. Instead, let's sleep well so that we can work well, as well as enjoy the waking hours that are non-work. People, pay down your debt.