Sleep is Your Superpower

Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature's best effort yet at immortality says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep -- and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don't, for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep's impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code -- as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye.

Sleep Power-Up Challenge

Watch the TED Talk: Take a moment to watch the video "Sleep Is Your Superpower" by Matt Walker. As you watch, pay close attention to the science behind sleep, especially how it affects your brain and body.

Don't have time to watch this now? Save the Youtube Video to your "Watch Later" list or scan this QR code to watch it later!

Reflect on the Importance of Sleep:

• After watching the video, spend 2 minutes reflecting on how sleep affects your daily life as a law enforcement officer.
• Jot down 3 key insights you gained from the talk about the benefits of sleep, especially how it may impact your performance on the job.

Sleep Assessment:

• Take a moment to evaluate your current sleep habits. Answer the following questions:
  • On average, how many hours of sleep do you get per night?
  • Do you wake up feeling refreshed or fatigued?
  • How many days a week do you prioritize sleep?

Sleep Power-Up Plan:

• Based on what you learned, identify one change you could make this week to improve your sleep hygiene. This could be:
  • Creating a bedtime routine that signals your body it's time to wind down.
  • Reducing caffeine or screen time before bed.
  • Setting a consistent sleep schedule.
• Write down your action plan and commit to it for the next 7 days.

Sleep Log:

• For the next 7 days, keep a simple log of your sleep. Record the time you went to bed, the time you woke up, and how you felt upon waking. You can include any observations about your energy levels throughout the day.
• At the end of the 7 days, reflect on your sleep quality. Did making small adjustments lead to improvements in how you feel and perform?

Reflection Questions (After 7 Days):

• How did improving your sleep affect your mood, energy, and alertness on duty?
• Were there any challenges to getting better sleep, and how did you address them?
• Do you notice any changes in your ability to handle stress or make quick decisions?