If it seems that every advice column and leadership book suggests that you get more sleep, perhaps it's because increasingly good science demonstrates the importance of sleep to brain health. A recent study shows that during sleep genes are activated that grow and repair myelin sheaths, the insulating covers of neurons. Myelin sheaths allow signals between neurons to travel quickly and efficiently. So, insufficient sleep is not just a day-to-day problem, leaving you fatigued and groggy at work the next day. In the long-term, chronic sleep deprivation could lead to decreased cognitive functioning.

Maybe it's time to move sleep up on your priority list?

Bellesi, M., Pfister-Genskow, M., Maret, S., Keles, S., Tononi, G., & Cirelli, C. (September 04, 2013). Effects of Sleep and Wake on Oligodendrocytes and Their Precursors. Journal of Neuroscience, 33, 36, 14288-14300.