The Science of Sleep Banking: Can You Store Rest for Later?
Thursday, 2026/02/05149 words2 minutes926 reads
Sleep banking is a strategy where people intentionally sleep longer before a period of expected sleep deprivation. This concept was introduced in 2009 by researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
Studies have shown potential benefits of sleep banking. For instance, doctors who banked sleep performed better during night shifts, and athletes who extended their sleep saw improvements in their performance.
However, the idea of sleep banking remains controversial. Some researchers argue that it's difficult to determine whether the body is actually storing sleep or simply catching up on existing sleep debt.
Sleep is crucial for various bodily functions, including metabolic processes, hormonal balance, and cognitive performance. Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning.
While proponents suggest sleep banking can be beneficial before periods of sleep disruption, critics warn against relying on it as a long-term solution for sleep issues.
