Sleep is for the Weak

Kirk Parsley, M.D.
March 15, 2021

If you haven’t said these words, I’m sure you know someone who has…

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

This so-called mantra may be one of the worst. Although it comes across as bold, eager, and typically said by those seeking success, it’s having a devastatingly negative impact on overall health and well-being.

Sleep is for the weak implies that sleep is indulgent or a luxury rather than the most important recovery and rejuvenation tool for the human body and mind.

Time is our greatest commodity. For those who are unaware of how dire sleep is to the optimum functionality of our minds and body, taking away sleep hours in exchange for work tasks may seem like a sneak attack to get ahead.

It’s not.

Sacrificing Sleep?!

We have social and cultural expectations to thank for the glorification of pushing past healthy limits to live up to so-called high performer “standards”. Yes, there should always be a great emphasis on work ethic and productivity, but high performance is a result of optimal sleep every night.

Those who “push through it” or “power through it” on a regular basis = Strength
Those who sleep in and prioritize sleep = Lazy or lack willpower.

^ FALSE

There is a time and place to work despite drowsiness. We have all been there. But the above sentiment couldn’t be further from the truth. Those nights we have all been there, staying up later than we know we should accomplish tasks leave us irritable and in a mental fog for the entirety of the next day. We don’t want that.

Consistent sleep deprivation can induce serious health problems

  • Increased risk of high blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Mental illness
  • Weakened Immunity
  • Weight gain
  • Memory loss

It is recommended that every human gets 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

So the next time you hear someone say “sleep is for the weak,” we hope you give them the big eye roll they deserve. To be frank, those who get the quality and quantity of sleep necessary every night, are going to be the strongest and healthiest both mentally and physically.

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