Who Needs Sleep?

Get smart about your body with Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz.

Who needs sleep?

Q. I'm a mom who works double shifts. Often I'm awake for 48 hours straight; other times I sleep 4 hours a night. What damage am I causing?

A. Think of the effects of massive sleep deprivation as similar to the effects of a tequila bender. When it comes to your health and the risk you impose on others, you're as dangerous as a drunk driver. The facts:

• Doctors working 80-90 hours a week were so sleep deprived they performed a simulated driving test as though they had chugged 3 to 4 alcoholic beverages.



• Nurses working a 12.5 hour or more shift were 3 times more likely to make mistakes than those on shorter shifts.

Scary stats -- and the findings apply to you too: You need sleep to function. Lack of sleep leads to bad food choices and other health risks. For your kids and yourself, you must find time to sleep. Schedule shuteye as you do work or a doctor's visit. It's one appointment you can’t afford to miss.

E-mail your comments and questions to Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz at HealthIQ@rd.com.