Snooze or Lose: The Silent Epidemic of Sleep Deprivation
The creative spirit burns bright, fueling dreams, shaping ideas, and driving success.
But behind that spirit, there's often a tired mind. From entrepreneur, to public servant, to stay-at-home parent: if you're reading this, you're likely aware of the weight of sleepless nights, or you've felt the sting of burnout – and you're not alone.
Welcome to the silent epidemic of sleep deprivation.
Before diving deeper, it's essential to understand what we mean by "sleep deprivation."
- Acute Sleep Deprivation: This occurs when an individual goes without sleep for a brief period, like pulling an all-nighter, or the occasional rough night.
- Chronic Sleep Deprivation: This is the result of consistently not getting enough sleep, even if it's just by an hour or two every night. Over weeks, months, or even years, those lost hours add up.
The recommended amount of sleep for adults is between 7-9 hours per night. If you consistently clock in below this, even by an hour or two, you might be in the chronic zone.
When you skimp on sleep, your body notices on every level. Here are some of the main systems sleep deprivation damages:
- Physical Health: It weakens the immune system, increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, and can even decrease life expectancy.
- Mental Health: Sleep deprivation can lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Cognitive Decline: Short term reduced attention span, impaired judgment, and difficulty in making decisions. Long-term memory loss and increased risk of Alzheimer's & Dementia.
- Reduced Productivity: Fatigue leads to decreased efficiency and increased errors.
- Emotional Imbalance: Irritability, mood swings, and a higher likelihood of experiencing stress.
What's more, sleep deprivation doesn't just linger in the shadows of our bedrooms; it spills out into our streets, relationships, workplaces, and communities with real-world consequences. For example, sleep-deprived individuals are at a significantly higher risk of causing accidents. A fatigued driver behind the wheel can be as impaired as one under the influence of alcohol.
There's been a noticeable uptick in the number of coffee shops gracing our high streets, bustling corners, and even quiet neighborhoods… and while correlation doesn’t equal causation, it’s more than just a cultural trend; it’s reflective of a society trapped in an “always-on” culture.
So, what's causing this widespread unrest? Here are a few possible culprits:
- 24/7 Connectivity: Smartphones, emails, and social media have made it harder to disconnect, leading to later bedtimes and interrupted sleep.
- High-Stress Careers: Entrepreneurs, especially, face stress and pressure, which can lead to restless nights.
- Balancing Work and Family: Juggling work demands with family responsibilities can cut into our sleep time.
- Cultural Shift: Society often glamorizes "hustle culture," where sleeping less is equated with working hard and being successful.
Sleep isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. If society continues to undervalue rest, the ramifications will be more than just personal. For those in the throes of entrepreneurship or balancing the demands of work and family, remember that success doesn't mean sacrificing sleep. In fact, prioritizing balance can be your secret weapon to a healthier, more productive life.
As people desperately seek solutions to their sleeplessness, many turn to quick fixes. This has led to an alarming rise in the over-prescription of sleep aids, as well as the overuse of non-perscription sleep aids, which in turn introduce a whole new set of health concerns, side effects, and issues.
For many, coffee has become a necessary tool to combat fatigue and maintain productivity, which can mask the symptoms of sleep deprivation. Yet most say it's ineffective, causing jitters, anxiety, and afternoon crashes. Additionally, its overconsumption is strongly linked to sleep disturbances and other side effects.
Many individuals rely on their daily (or multiple) cups of joe to navigate through the demands of modern life, without realizing they're actually making the problem worse. That's why we created Everyday Dose.
It has all the taste & ritual of the coffee you know and love, without the side effects. Experience energy, focus, and balanced mood thanks to 5 superfood ingredients designed to support sleep, health, and longevity, with a fraction of the caffeine of a normal cup of coffee.
