“Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.” So, says Wikipedia. Who knew!

Some people can sleep anytime, anywhere.

Years ago, when I was in college, my history professor would tell the class, “If any of you fall asleep during my class, that’s fine with me. Sleep when you can.” In those days, I did not fully understand how accommodating he was. It hit me only when I started having difficulty sleeping as an adult … and realized how debilitating sleeplessness can be. I have done everything to get that elusive six hours of sleep a night or day, depending on my shift.  But I rarely succeed.The only consolation  is that I am not alone. Millions of people around the world have problem sleeping. In Canada, an estimated 30 per cent of the population gets less than six hours of sleep.

The World Association of Sleep Medicine has declared sleepiness and sleeplessness a global epidemic. But the group says the disorders are preventable and treatable.

As a victim of sleep deprivation, I am skeptical, though.