Take a Nap, Save the World

Science isn't really sure why we sleep. We do it, and it seems to be good for us, so we don't really give it much thought. There is one theory—I don't know if it is true. I just like it.—that animals sleep about one third of the day as an ecological protection measure. If a creature never slept, it might have to eat five or six times a day. Ecosystems would be devastated by non-stop eating and procreating.

It's a good theory, and increasingly relevant in today's non-stop world. How many times have you heard someone proclaim, "I'll sleep when I'm dead" or some other? super-macho quote. There are people who chug can after cans of energy drink and cups of coffee in order to extend their days.

I'm here to tell you that maybe you shouldn't squeeze more hours into your day. Maybe you should get a full night's sleep and take a nap when you feel sleepy. First of all sleep has numerous health benefits:

- Better blood pressure

- May prevent cancer

- Reduces stress

- Reduces inflammation

- Makes you more alert (when awake)

- Aids Memory

- Naps make you smarter

- Decreases depression

- Helps the body make repairs

Those are ten good reasons to get more sleep, but I will give you an eleventh reason, a green reason.

When we are asleep, we are using minimal resources. We aren't driving cars. We aren't burning electricity. We aren't eating red meat or non-local food. The lights, the TVs, the computers are turned off. When we are at rest, we don't consume as much. So sleep. Sleep as much as you'd like. Don't feel guilty or lazy about it. You're doing yourself and the world a favor.

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