Sleeping

It’s 3 am and you’re suffering from a crushing inability to concentrate. You can’t be bothered to do even the smallest task, like opening another tin of lager, because it’s proving too difficult for your pea-sized brain to grasp.

Another large night out at the pub?

No, you’re just sleep deprived.

Ninety years ago, the average night’s sleep was somewhere in the area of nine hours worth of forty winks.

Today, we spend less than seven in the land of nod and more at our desks or on trains for the daily commute.

The results are apparent. We’re often cranky and confused, inattentive and underproductive. And that’s even after the first cup of coffee.

Sure, some people need less sleep than others. But if our body is a temple and we’re purposely depriving it of its much-needed restorative rest, we’re basically spray painting the walls of the place, doodling in the holy books and sticking chewing gum under the seats.

Most of us have had been deprived of sleep for short periods, but we manage to muddle through by sleeping in the toilet stalls or drinking Red Bull. In fact, scientists reckon that you lose about 25% of your mental capabilities for each day you go siesta-less.

So remember this: you’re profoundly unattractive when stumbling and slurring and drooling after drinking10 pints, so why would you want to replicate that delightful experience in the name of productivity?

Get thee to bed. Quick navigation: Finding a doctor | Eating | Sleeping | Exercise