The idea of "sleep banking"—saving up sleep for times of future deprivation—has become increasingly popular, especially among wellness enthusiasts.

This concept suggests that by getting extra sleep ahead of a stressful period, such as during travel or before exams, you can improve cognitive performance and mental clarity when sleep deprivation strikes.

Introduced by sleep researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in 2009, sleep banking was first tested on military personnel.

The study involved two groups: one group was allowed to sleep for 10 hours each night, while the other group slept for only seven. After a period of sleep deprivation, those who had banked extra sleep performed better in tasks requiring attention and focus.

Subsequent studies have reinforced the idea that sleep banking can be beneficial in various settings, from healthcare workers to athletes.

Research also supports the idea that sleep banking can help reduce physical and mental stress in preparation for periods of sleep deprivation.

However, experts caution that this approach may not be effective if you are already deeply sleep-deprived. Sleep debt, they argue, needs to be repaid quickly, as prolonged deprivation can lead to long-term cognitive and physical consequences.

Some scientists, like Elizabeth Klerman, believe that sleep is more like a credit card than a piggy bank.

This view suggests that while you can accumulate sleep debt, you cannot store sleep for later use. Instead, the best strategy is to maintain a consistent, high-quality sleep schedule, rather than relying on sleep banking as a quick fix.

Ultimately, while sleep banking may offer short-term benefits, it is not a substitute for regular, restful sleep. Experts agree that a balanced sleep routine is the key to long-term health and performance.