Sleep and farming

I spent years as a public educator in the science surrounding the importance of sleep. Just as important…the devastating effects of poor sleep or sleep deprivation on human performance. Spring planting season for farmers has similarities with fall harvest in that. Speaker2: I know they're putting in long, hours. Speaker1: Long hours. According to Iowa State University extension expert David Brown, contributing to a lack of sleep, one of several factors that add to stress for the individual. Brown also acknowledges that during planting season, there may not be much opportunity for rest. Yet there are strategies that can help growers both regarding fatigue and stress reduction. For starters. Speaker2: Try to build in short breaks. Whatever you're doing, try to take a short walk. Speaker1: Getting as much sleep as possible, regardless of the circumstances of the field and farm indeed is important even during busy times like planting at harvest when there is downtime. Brown suggests taking a few minutes for relaxation using various stress reduction techniques. Again, picking up on what I know….if you snore heavily, that may be a sign that you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea which can have devastating effects on your health. If you know you snore, make an appointment to see a physician who specializes in sleep. This is often a pulmonologist.