Solve Problems in Bed

According to a recent study in Germany, adequate sleep has now been scientifically linked to problem solving and creativity. “[S]leeping brains continue working on problems that baffle us during the day,” said the Associated Press (January 21). “[T]he right answer may come more easily after eight hours of rest.”

On the flip side, other studies have shown that insufficient sleep actually reduces productivity and adversely affects performance at school or on the job. So the latest findings in the German study come as no surprise.

What is surprising is the increasing number of people who regularly deprive themselves of sleep. The U.S. government estimates that 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems. Some obviously have sleeping disorders like insomnia and apnea. But most sleep deprivation is self-inflicted.