the need for sleep... perhaps not the correct forum for this

[faroukbaaaaa]

do we talk about esoteric(?) and weird type things on here or is it strictly art?

Anyway I have been reading about the need for sleep and how certain illinesses that promote chronic insomnia can lead to death. My tenuous link to the art world would be the often impossible deadlines we face that require us to pull all nighters etc. I just think it is interesting that we sleep for about 35% of our lives and no onereally knows why we do, given that thebrain is in constant electrical spasm from the moment we are born to the moment we die and all that blather.

Well I am expecting this thread to either be derailed by silliness (whish i welcome with all three of my open arms) or poo pooed roundly by an indifferent anduncaring forum, which, I condemn and stamp beneath my 400 dollar hand stitched italian loafers

[Bubbashelby]

Sleep/dreams etc are very interesting. What studies have you been reading?

[HellboyOne]

I know of a disc jockey in the 50s or 60s who attempted to stay awake for a week as a stunt. By day 3, he was hallucinating wildly. By day 4, he was still awake but readings showed that his brain had shut down as if it were asleep. By day 6 he was hospitalized, lost his job, his family, and was never the same again.

I don't know why we sleep, but I love it and don't get enough of it. But sometimes, like eating and going to the loo (that one's for you, farouk), I wish I didn't have to.

[Pencil Punk]

Sleep is for the weak and easily amused.

[Bubbashelby]

I know of a disc jockey in the 50s or 60s who attempted to stay awake for a week as a stunt. By day 3, he was hallucinating wildly. By day 4, he was still awake but readings showed that his brain had shut down as if it were asleep. By day 6 he was hospitalized, lost his job, his family, and was never the same again. .

I recall the Star Trek TNG episode wherein the crew couldn't sleep/dream for some reason, and they experienced much the same results.

[suryrony]

i stopped pulling all nighters because i felt it is damaging me on the long run.
but the insomnia stayed , definently a bad bad thing.
it's some kind of a restless cycle - too tired to do anything but not able to turn it off.
i wish they'd invent an off button for me.

[olmanic]

i am required by the doctor to get 7 hours of sleep. if I get less for one day, not a big deal, but i was going on 4 to 5 hours for 4 months or more at a time and I got REALLY wiggy. I was laid up for a week in the hospital. So I do my best to get 7 hours every night. gotta keep on a schedule, or I mess it all up.

sleep really is important. while the brain keep on firing, the MIIND must sleep. two different mechanisms to the same device. we need time to process and rest and rebuild.

tweakers go weeks without sleeping. talk about messing you up.

insomniacs: valerian root is your friend find some and take it, ohand quit all caffine. (should be obvious)

[Elliotanimated]

I've never been to sleep.
Ever.

[HellboyOne]

I've never been to sleep.
Ever.

This explains a lot.

[Uloo]

A recent episode of NOVA scienceNOW featured a fun story on sleep,
suggesting it has much to do with memory and learning (among other things).

You can find a link to the story (about 13 minutes) and other materials here.

[Kelly Tindall]

A recent episode of NOVA scienceNOW featured a fun story on sleep,
suggesting it has much to do with memory and learning (among other things).

I tried watching it, but it put me to sleep.

[drugmassacre]

after Kelly went to sleep I crawled through the window and had sex with his wife

[Elliotanimated]

While you were having sex with his wife, I was having sex with your mum.

[Kelly Tindall]

Lying bastard, he put a wig on me.

Then he fucked my action figures.

[drugmassacre]

it's true, i think I still have Red Tornado lodged up in my ass somewhere