Sleep Makes You Healthier and Smarter

A former high-powered, strongly motivated boss of mine did not believe in sleep. In order to be the best in the world at what we do—and this was the goal, no doubt—sleep is an obstacle to be overcome. I disagreed, as it seemed to me at some point, bodies and minds will find what they need whether or not you try to control them. While he was in his office until four in the morning many nights, trying to work, I was getting the sleep I needed to be effective during waking hours. Our disagreements about this as well as some other philosophies of life eventually led to my departure from the organization. Scientific studies have long proven the importance of a good night’s sleep, but there’s some new research that links sleep deprivation and serious illness. A 2008 research project at the University of Chicago’s medical school kept young, healthy volunteers awake for all but four hours a night for six nights running. The result: The levels of subje...