A World of Dreams…
The policy of sleep.
Listening to a recent “No Such Thing As a Fish” podcast I learned the very special way penguins sleep… which is exactly why I thought it was a great time to look at the ethics of rest and relaxation.
Sleep.
After learning that some penguins will have up to 10,000 micro sleeps a day, I immediately thought about rest in general, and how it’s our job to ensure the people who supply our goods should also have the right to a decent nights sleep.
From the industrial revolution until today, in many parts of the world rest has taken a second place to the “need” to work. Today, this is seen across many cultures and countries, and for differing reasons, low hourly pay, below a living wage but also in many cultures resisting the need for sleep is seen as a strength…
It’s stereotypical, but in the American culture it is perceived as a weakness to leave work on time. Whereas in Europe, not only can it be illegal to work longer than agreed, culturally it would never be accepted. Take for example France, where working hours are maintained fastidiously within contracts, and a proper lunch break to eat and rest is an absolute must.
Now it would probably be beyond our means as a backpack company to change how America treats it’s workers and change a countries perspective on the work culture. However we can ensure our workers earn a decent living wage – directly meaning they can get a good nights sleep!
Understanding the Basics of Sleep
Sleep is a complex, active process crucial for our physical and mental health. It involves two main stages: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-REM sleep. During REM sleep, the brain is active, and dreams occur, while Non-REM sleep involves deeper, restorative stages. This cycle is essential for physical repair, memory consolidation, and hormonal balance. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and mental health disorders.
The Global Impact of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive functions, mood, and decision-making. Societal pressures, especially in high-paced urban environments, often lead to compromised sleep. The correlation between technology use, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns is particularly evident among young professionals.
Cultural Perspectives on Sleep
Cultural attitudes towards sleep vary widely. Mediterranean cultures, for example, embrace afternoon siestas, reflecting a more relaxed approach to life. In contrast, many urban societies often undervalue sleep in favour of productivity. The concept of ‘sleep debt’ and its cultural interpretations highlight the diverse global attitudes towards rest.
The Right to Sleep in the Developing World
In developing countries, the struggle for adequate sleep is compounded by long working hours and poor living conditions. Sleep is not a privilege but a right. The harsh reality for many workers in these regions underscores the need for global awareness and intervention to ensure equitable access to rest.
Sleep Across Religions and Philosophies
Different religions and philosophical traditions offer unique perspectives on sleep. In some Eastern philosophies, sleep is viewed as a time for spiritual renewal. These diverse viewpoints enrich our understanding of the significance of rest.
10 sleep facts?
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Dreams Galore: You can have up to four to six dreams in one night, but you might not remember most of them.
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Sleep Paralysis: During REM sleep, your muscles are temporarily paralyzed. This prevents you from acting out your dreams, which is a natural protective mechanism.
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The Record for Longest Period Without Sleep: The world record for the longest period without sleep is 11 days, set by Randy Gardner in 1964 for a high school science fair project.
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Animal Sleep Habits: Some animals have unique sleep habits. For example, dolphins sleep with one eye open to stay alert to potential predators and to keep breathing since they need to come to the surface for air.
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Sleepwalking Mysteries: Sleepwalking is a rare and potentially dangerous sleep disorder. It occurs during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep.
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The Half-Asleep Brain: Humans are the only mammals that willingly delay sleep. This is a modern behavior linked to the invention of artificial lighting and technology.
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Colorful Dreams: Before the invention of color television, most people reported dreaming in black and white. Today, only about 12% of people dream in monochrome.
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Sleep Deprivation Effects: Just 17 hours of sustained wakefulness can lead to a decrease in performance equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%, which is the legal drinking limit in many countries.
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Newborns’ Sleep Needs: A newborn baby typically requires about 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, which is crucial for their rapid mental and physical development.
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The Mystery of Yawning: Yawning is contagious, and while it’s commonly associated with tiredness, it’s also thought to be a mechanism to cool down the brain.
Penguins
These remarkable birds have adapted to their demanding environments in unique ways, and their sleep patterns are a perfect example of this. Penguins can indeed take numerous short naps throughout the day and night, sometimes lasting only a few seconds each. This ability to achieve deep sleep in such brief periods is known as microsleeps.
Here are a few interesting points about this:
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Microsleeps: Penguins often experience microsleeps, which are brief periods of sleep that last only a few seconds. During these microsleeps, they can achieve a state similar to deep sleep in humans.
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Adaptation for Survival: This sleep pattern is an adaptation to their environment. In the wild, constant vigilance is necessary to avoid predators, and these short bursts of sleep allow penguins to rest while remaining alert to potential threats.
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Efficient Rest: Despite the short duration, these microsleeps are incredibly efficient. Penguins can recuperate from fatigue quickly, which is essential for their survival in harsh conditions.
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Variation Among Species: Different species of penguins may have varying sleep patterns. For example, Emperor Penguins, during the harsh Antarctic winter, may have different sleep habits compared to other species living in relatively milder climates.
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Contrast with Human Sleep: This is in stark contrast to human sleep patterns, where uninterrupted sleep is necessary for reaching the deeper, restorative stages of the sleep cycle.
Penguins’ unique sleep habits are a testament to the incredible adaptability of wildlife. Their ability to function and thrive on such fragmented sleep patterns is a fascinating area of study in animal behaviour and sleep science.
Some interesting articles here – your sleep rabbit hole:
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A Study on the Changes in Life Habits, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality of College Students Due to COVID-19
- Authors: Hyejoo J. Lee, Jiyun Kim, Jihwan Moon, S. Jung, Younhwan Jo, B. Kim, E. Ryu, Sangwoo Bahn
- Published: August 17, 2022
- Summary: This study examined the relationship between mental health and sleep quality in college students before and after COVID-19. It found that the pandemic led to significant changes in lifestyle, adversely affecting mental health and sleep quality. The study highlights the negative impact of altered social behaviours on sleep patterns.
- Read more
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Unveiling the Path to Resilience: Prioritizing Mental Health, Sleep, and Nutrition in the Post-COVID Era
- Authors: Susana Ramalho, Daniela Martins-Mendes, José Mário Macedo, C. Barros, Carla Luís, Sara Sá, Á. Gestoso, Ana Cláudia Pereira, P. Baylina, Rúben Fernandes
- Published: September 1, 2023
- Summary: This comprehensive opinion piece discusses the wide-ranging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of human well-being, including mental health, sleep, and nutrition. It emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies that prioritize mental health, improve sleep habits, and address eating behaviours to foster resilience in the post-COVID era.
- Read more
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The Effect of Video Gaming on the Sleep Patterns and Well-being of U.S. Marines
- Authors: P. Matsangas, N. Shattuck, L. Shattuck, Jason Xu, Edrie Orpilla, D. Lawrence-Sidebottom, E. Dotson, Zena Bowen
- Published: May 25, 2022
- Summary: This study assessed the effects of video gaming on the sleep patterns of Marines. It found that video gaming, particularly late in the day, led to delayed sleep and was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The study highlights the negative impact of certain leisure activities on sleep quality.
- Read more
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Patterns of Sleep Habits and Their Impact on Night-time Sleep Quality in College Students
- Authors: Jie Zhong, C. Katigbak, M. Gregas, Lichuan Ye
- Published: May 1, 2023
- Summary: This cross-sectional survey examined sleep habits and their impact on nighttime sleep quality in college students. It identified distinct patterns based on sleep habits, including bedtime and wake-up time, and consistency between schooldays and weekends. The study found that certain patterns, such as late sleepers with inconsistent durations, had worse sleep quality.
- Read more
