Tired of no sleep

By Lissa Wohltmann

Sleep. Just the word makes me want to yawn. How about you? Do you feel like yawning right now? Are you? Yawn, yawn, yawn. Yup, you’re doing it right now if you are in the least bit sleep-deprived. Sleep is what so many people crave today and seldom get the amount they actually need. According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention, inadequate amounts of sleep are linked to car accidents, industrial accidents, medical errors and other occupational disasters. Yet, if you type for a living (for example) the result of your slumber-less habits won’t be deadly, just embarrassing – but only if you are about typoes.

The lack of sleep for other desk jockeys (such as me) won’t prove lethal if we fall asleep at our desks unless we slam our heads on the computer while we literally “fall” asleep. On the other hand, falling asleep at work might be lethal to your career, especially if the boss just happens to stroll through the cub-barn and hears those melodic sounds of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Instead of downing a handful of uppers or drinking cupfuls of caffeine, there are alternate ways to keep you alert when necessary that won’t affect your ability to peacefully snooze when you choose.

• Drink. Not alcohol because that does strange things to your body, mind and sometimes reputation. Instead, drink really ice-cold water. In fact, if you drink eight ounces of ice cold water right after one cup of coffee, the effect will be the same as drinking two cups of coffee. Hey, two for the price of one—can’t beat that.
• Walk. Talk a brisk walk around and if the temperature has dropped, take advantage of this body-wakening weather by walking outside. Moving those legs might get that mind moving which will motivate you to creatively engage with others. That’s academic speak for “have fun.”
• Calisthenics. Remember those old jumping jacks and push-ups Jack LaLanne had our mothers do in the 50s and 60s? Well, they’re baaaaack. These are simple exercises you can do to strengthen your muscles while keeping you alert. And, if nothing else, do them in the cube-barn and people will stay clear of you as they may question your sanity. Whatever works, right?

Getting tired is a part of life – occasionally. However, don’t make it a part of your day-to-day life because going through life tired is just going through the motions. That’s not fun. And remember: he who has the most fun in life, wins.