When you get less sleep than your body needs, you acquire “sleep debt.” All adults need about 7–8 (or more) hours of sleep per night in order to stay healthy and perform their best. If you get less, then you need extra sleep to make up for whatever was lost. There are times when sleep deprivation is unavoidable (for example, a new baby, studying for a test, a night training mission, or night ops), but you can engage in strategic napping before and after sleep loss to ensure that you don’t suffer the consequences of a big sleep debt. Read HPRC’s “Nap to be at your best mentally” to learn how to nap well.
Do I really need to make up for lost sleep?
Your opinion matters to HPRC
I will apply this content to make meaningful changes in my life.
I will apply this content to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
How do you use HPRC content?
Please tell us how you use HPRC content? You could be featured in the HPRC Blog!
Or, do you have additional feedback? Email us at HPRC@usuhs.edu