Posted by Sara P on April 22, 1998 at 16:47:51:

In Reply to: Re: Sleep deprivation posted by Brian on April 12, 1998 at 19:01:12:

Craig, Just a thought for you. I am 37 and currently have Fibromyalgia and perhaps Seasonal Affective Disorder. I am always tired and literally can't remember the last time I woke up feeling refreshed. I realized there was something wrong with me about seven years ago.

However, I have always wondered if my college days could have contributed to my current health decline. (There is research that says it could.) Like many other students I studied like a maniac, slept little, and sometimes pulled "all nighters", thinking, as many do, that I was young and healthy and that it couldn't possibly harm me in the long run. In addition, I had a part-time job as an undergraduate assistant that required I work 5-7 hour shifts at different times of the day or night and that varied from day-to-day and week-to-week. It was a cool job (operating a satellite) so I felt the sacrifice was well worth it at the time. Sometimes I would work from 2 am to 7 am and then go straight to class (yuk)!

However, if it is true that my college schedule and lack of sleep for 2-3 years contributed to my current health probelms, you can be sure that I wouldn't have done it and would have taken better care of myself back then. Because I would give almost anything to feel normal today and not always tired.

I am glad that you are asking the questions you are asking. I think we and researchers are just beginning to understand the incredible importance of good sleep and how the lack therof can really mess us up! Anyway, just though I'd give you my story.

S.

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