Re:Good sleep, good learning, good life (2012)
by olvo on Wednesday October 17, 2018 @07:19PM
(#18244669)
> often without even noticing it (and the consequences for industry and society).
I think sleep deprivation can become addictive. Some people don't seem to get, or gets used to, the despair and come to enjoy the single minded numbness to the point where it is actually uncomfortable for them to sleep well and come out of 'survival mode'.
Re:Good sleep, good learning, good life (2012)
by thanatropism on Wednesday October 17, 2018 @10:33PM
(#18245480)
Sleep deprivation is a major activator of mania in bipolar disorder.
You can even kind-of emergency manage depression with timed sleep deprivation if there are huge reasons (e.g. pregnancy) you should be off your meds.
Re:Good sleep, good learning, good life (2012)
by akuji1993 on Thursday October 18, 2018 @03:31AM
(#18246586)
As someone who has suffered with depression and massive panic anxiety disorder, I can absolute say that, yes, being sleep deprived actually helped a lot. A tired mind has no energy to wander.
(In no way am I recommending this though)
Re:Good sleep, good learning, good life (2012)
by thanatropism on Thursday October 18, 2018 @06:30AM
(#18247221)
It's not the same. Bipolar folks get a mood lift from sleep deprivation. We actually feel less tired. The only way I know I should be more tired is that my legs feel it, even as my brain is racing.
But then, the elevated mood begets more sleep deprivation and soon you're euphoric, reckless and finally manic as hell.
In a way, bipolar mania is like being addicted to yourself.
The book isn't so much about "why we sleep" but rather "why you should sleep more" – 350 pages of Walker telling you about study after study after study after study comparing well-slept to underslept people, and all of the afflictions the latter suffer from, often without even noticing it (and the consequences for industry and society).
While I found his contrived writing style annoying at times, the content is the kind of eye-opening that makes you want to buy a dozen copies just to give to your family and friends.