Many of us who participate in dog events—as competitors, judges, event organizers or volunteers—juggle to balance time spent in our sport with work, family and/or education and as a result we often compromise on sleep. But

sleep has a tremendous impact on how we function, think and feel.


The human brain is designed to be awake for about 16 hours a day. Our biological need to sleep is so strong that when we stay awake longer the brain starts to send messages to the body to shut down in an attempt to sleep—we observe these as signs of being tired, fatigued, drowsy or sleepy.


Living in a 24/7 society we think the longer we stay awake the more productive we are, but in fact, we are much more efficient when we’re rested. During sleep our body and brain has a chance to rest which restores our motor skills and mental performance. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night to perform at their best.

                                   

WAKE UP TO THE POWER OF SLEEP!

Lack of sleep has adverse effects on our reaction time, problem solving ability and memory - all skills needed to make critical driving decisions. When you are behind the wheel you are responsible for not only your own safety, but of your passengers including your dogs, and others on the road with you. Your sleep shortage may have a tremendous impact on many lives. The best advice you can accept or give to reduce the risk of becoming drowsy while driving is to get adequate sleep on a regular basis.



Scientists are discovering that sleep is far more critical to human health than previously believed. Click below to view the latest news about sleep:

  1. ★How Tired Are You (MSNBC Nightly News with Brian Williams) - Reports on the latest sleep studies calls for a national attitude adjustment toward sleep.

  2. ★The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation (MSNBC Today Show) - Doctors say that getting enough sleep may be more important that diet and exercise in maintaining good health.

  3. ★The Science of Sleep - (CBS 60 Minutes) - In a two part series news correspondent, Leslie Stahl, reports on new and intriguing research on how our brain and overall health are affected by sleep.


Also visit the National Sleep Foundation site:

  1. ★”How Sleep Works”

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY