Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

Time sleeping seems to be a waste. After all, we are not engaging in what could be more productive activity. Alas, that is not the case. Paradoxically, sleep actually aids in performance. Many studies have shown improved problem solving, memory and creativity after getting sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep also severely limits our performance. Drowsy driving is actually a much more serious danger than drunk driving. Not getting enough sleep can also decrease the number of chemicals that tell us we are full while increasing the ones that tell us we are still hungry. People think they are acting fine when they don't get enough sleep, but they are not. The immune system and memory also suffer when there is not enough sleep.
How do you get sufficient sleep? For one, you stay away from drugs. Sleeping pills knock you out, but don't help you get quality sleep. Alcohol is somewhat similar in that it helps you into "fake sleep". Nicotine and Caffeine are also detrimental. A slightly lower temperature can help you sleep at night. (Hmm. I always seem to like it warmer, but then I wake up sweaty.) It is also useful to be consistent. You can't fully "make up" lost sleep.
Sleep can be one of the best "performance enhancing drugs." We should try hard to maximize it.