Can You Bank Sleep? The Science of Sleep Banking

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The idea of 'sleep banking' has gained traction, especially among wellness enthusiasts, as a way to enhance mental performance. The concept involves extending sleep duration over multiple nights before a period of anticipated sleep restriction, similar to topping up a bank account. A study by researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research investigated the effects of sleep banking, dividing participants into two groups with different sleep durations. However, the concept remains controversial, with some experts arguing that sleep is more like a credit card than a piggy bank.

Why it matters

The sleep banking debate highlights the ongoing research and discussions around the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. While the concept remains a topic of discussion, it's clear that getting enough sleep is essential, whether it's banking sleep for the future or ensuring we get the recommended amount each night.

The details

The study conducted by Tracy Rupp and her team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, US, divided 24 military personnel into two groups. One group received seven hours of sleep, while the other group received ten hours. The following week, both groups were restricted to three hours of sleep before reverting to their usual eight-hour sleep schedule. The researchers argue that sleep banking can be beneficial, but they emphasize the importance of paying off sleep debt as soon as possible. However, Elizabeth Klerman, a professor of neurology, disagrees with the concept, suggesting that sleep is more like a credit card than a piggy bank, implying that you can't build up a surplus of sleep.

• The study was conducted in 2026.

What they’re saying