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Sleep Deprivation for the Forces...
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:40 pm
by Guest
Heard this being discussed this morning - just wanted to get the opinions of the military persons who post on this board? How do they handle this and is it a factor? I just have to think if we are going thru this the other side has it 10X's worse.
Patricia
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 1:54 pm
by streetsoldier
Ticka, I refer to this as "running on batteries"; I did it in RVN as well as on the streets in STL, and later in life on SAR missions.
You simply go with what the USMC calls "muscle memory" (i.e. doing what you should automatically) until ordered to stand down or relieved. And it ain't easy....but it happens.
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 2:19 pm
by Stephanie
It only helps to reinforce how tough their job and the law enforcement's jobs really are, besides the fact that they're putting their lives on the line!
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 2:21 pm
by Guest
Exactly Stephanie. Thanks for the reply Streetsolider - just another strength that one who in the military learns and uses.
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 2:45 pm
by JQ Public
It must be a factor, but it is a factor on troops from both sides so it may just be a fact of war.
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 2:50 pm
by Rainband
I can't imagine what they go through to secure our freedom but am very thankful for all they do
Johnathan
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 3:52 pm
by streetsoldier
Not just war; I also employed this in college, when I was a freelance artist (beating out the competition on deadlines), and it kicks in when emergency situations develop (FI, when firehead's arm was broken...I took him to the hospital, sat with him while they reset it and X-rayed him, drove him home, had to awaken our pharmacist for Rx, and stayed up with him all night and into the next day...totalling about 49 hours non-stop).
One does what one HAS to...THEN do what one wants.
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 5:16 pm
by mf_dolphin
It's surprising what punishment the body can take when it has too. During an extended "war game" for the Ground Launched Cruise Missile system we deployed to the field for 30 days. During that test we were operating under simulated combat comditions and averaged less the 3 hours of sleep a day for the month. The adrenaline gets pumping and you just keep going. Liek Streetsoldier said "You do what you have to do"!
I Don't Sleep Much
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 5:32 pm
by Steve H.
Exactly, I've gone plenty of days and even weeks without sleep. Adrenaline kicks up. Sleep deprivation is also over-rated, and also depends on the individual. I get 5 - 6 a night..that's all I need. I run 4 miles, 4 days a week and workout every other. But I can get physically exhausted and still not sleep quite often. My Daughter gets 9 and needs more....she can sleep through the fire alarm. But imagine getting carpet-bombed for a month or two. Sleep would not come easy. Your survival instincts wouldn't let it. That's why you see the surrenders from the Iraqi soldiers now - the nerves are fryed!!
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2003 5:41 pm
by JQ Public
streetsoldier wrote:Not just war; I also employed this in college, when I was a freelance artist (beating out the competition on deadlines), and it kicks in when emergency situations develop (FI, when firehead's arm was broken...I took him to the hospital, sat with him while they reset it and X-rayed him, drove him home, had to awaken our pharmacist for Rx, and stayed up with him all night and into the next day...totalling about 49 hours non-stop).
One does what one HAS to...THEN do what one wants.
lol i am at my best around the 1am timeframe when writing term papers etc
