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The dangers of sleep deprivation are decreased physical and mental functioning opening one to the danger of serious accidents, including automobile accidents. Other dangers are not about sleep deprivation but concern dream deprivation. It is dream deprivation that can cause paranoia and frightening hallucinations. It is possible to get enough sleep but still deprive yourself of dreaming.

The things that suppress dreaming include alcohol, sleeping pills (ironically), and other drugs. Some hallucinogenics enhance dreaming at a low dose but suppress it at higher doses. The dangers of dream deprivation are epitomized by alcoholics. After many years of drinking and suppressing their dreams, alcoholics are subject to delirium tremens. These frightening hallucinations are nothing more than an outbreak of dreaming.

I have worked in residential facilities for mentally ill adults. I believe that the hallucinations of schizophrenics, like the delirium tremens of alcoholics, are an outbreak of dreaming. Unfortunately, the phenothyazines given to schizophrenics suppress hallucinations and also suppress dreams. What schizophrenics need is not dream suppressors but more dreams. In Russian they had some success with what they called "sleep therapy." They essentially allowed schizophrenics to sleep as much as they wished and many improved. I don't believe it was sleep therapy, but dream therapy.

Sleep deprivation can be caused by medical problems such as sleep apnea, snoring (sinus problems), restless leg syndrome, and others. These should be addressed by your doctor. The primary cause of sleep deprivation in our society, however, is undoubtedly stress. One of the most effective means of stress reduction is meditation. Meditation need not be a religious practice. In its simplest form it is nothing more than quieting the body and the mind, letting go of thinking as much as possible. This can be done with a mantra, a repeated word like "love" or "peace." The mind can focus on a visualized object or on a candle flame. One can count one's breath in order to still the mind. Other stress reduction techniques include yoga, tai chi, and other physical activities such as walking, Jogging, or working out. Dancing or sports such as tennis can reduce stress.

My final suggestion for overcoming sleep and dream deprivation is to have fun. A lot of people simply are not enjoying life. It is not because we are too busy. It is because we are poor at setting our priorities. If our health and enjoyment of life is a high priority, then having fun should be at the top of our to-do list. Having fun means doing whatever it is that brings you pleasure. Read a book just for fun. Go for a walk. Take a hot bath. Talk to a friend on the phone. Watch a comedy. Arrange some flowers or paint a picture. Whatever brings you pleasure will reduce your stress, will allow you to sleep better, and will allow you to have the dreams that your body and your psyche need.

Have fun!

Learn more about this author, Bob Trowbridge.
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