My 10-year-old son asked: Daddy, how do we sleep and still gain energy?
I was clueless, I just handed him the ChatGPT app on my phone.
In exploring the intriguing question raised by a curious 10-year-old and the insightful response from the ChatGPT app regarding the complex relationship between sleep, energy utilization, and energy generation.
I recognize the parallels between the body’s energy management during sleep-wake cycles and the potential application of similar principles in engineering, particularly in the design of electric vehicles (EVs).
Sleep is a dynamic process that involves both energy utilization for restoration and repair during sleep and the mobilization of energy upon waking to support increased activity, and the net balance between these processes (consume and generate) contributes to overall physical and mental well-being.
The relationship between sleep and energy is complex and involves various physiological processes. While it may seem counterintuitive that we need energy to sleep and gain energy when we wake up, it can be explained by looking at different aspects of the sleep-wake cycle
- Energy Consumption during Sleep
Even though we may not be physically active during sleep, the body still undergoes essential processes, such as tissue repair, immune system strengthening, and memory consolidation.
- Sleep is a restorative process that allows the body to repair and replenish various functions.
- While the body’s overall energy expenditure may decrease during certain stages of sleep, the brain remains active in managing vital functions. Additionally, energy is used for maintaining basic bodily functions like breathing and maintaining body temperature.
- During sleep, the body undergoes processes of repair and restoration. This includes the repair of tissues, muscle growth, and the release of growth hormone, contributing to physical recovery.
- Energy is utilized for these repair processes, ensuring that the body is ready for optimal functioning when you wake up.
2. Energy Generation During and Upon Waking
Sleep plays a crucial role in restoring and replenishing various physiological functions, contributing to the overall energy balance of the body. Here’s a simplified overview of how sleep helps in gaining energy:
- While asleep, the body’s overall energy expenditure may decrease compared to wakeful periods. However, it’s important to note that the brain remains active during certain stages of sleep, using energy for essential functions like memory consolidation and maintaining basic bodily processes.
- Sleep is associated with the release of various hormones that influence energy balance. Growth hormone, for example, is released during deep sleep and contributes to tissue repair and overall growth.
- The sleep-wake cycle is also regulated by hormones like melatonin, which help promote restful sleep and contribute to the body’s circadian rhythm.
- Sleep plays a role in consolidating memories and facilitating learning. This process involves the strengthening of neural connections, which contributes to cognitive function and mental alertness upon waking.
3. Energy Mobilization & Renewal upon Waking
This increased activity requires energy to support the body’s functions as it shifts from a state of rest to wakefulness.
- When we wake up, the body transitions from sleep to wakefulness, and this involves an increase in metabolic and physiological activity.
- Waking up involves the activation of the central nervous system, increased heart rate, and heightened brain activity.
- Upon waking, the body’s metabolism increases, and various physiological processes are activated to prepare the body for activity. This includes an increase in heart rate, body temperature, and the release of hormones like cortisol, which help mobilize energy stores.
- The body also releases hormones, such as cortisol, in the morning to help increase alertness and mobilize energy stores.
In summary, while sleep is a period of rest, the body is still active in performing essential functions, and energy is expended during this process. Upon waking up, energy is needed to support the increased physiological activity associated with being awake.
The balance between rest and activity during sleep and wakefulness contributes to overall well-being and energy management.
I reflected deeper on the concept and asked myself:
Can’t this body energy management framework designed by God be imbibed into the design of things like electric vehicle, generators, inverters, etc that requires energy generation, energy dissipation, and energy restoration?
Shola Ogunniyi
We are aware of the field of engineering that involves designing and creating devices by observing and mimicking the structures and functions of the human body is known as “biomimetics” or “bio-inspired engineering.”
Biomimetics draws inspiration from biological systems, processes, and designs in nature to solve engineering challenges and create innovative solutions.
By studying the efficiency and effectiveness of natural processes, we can develop technologies that emulate or adapt biological principles for various applications, ranging from materials science, robotics, medical devices and electronic vehicles.
Call to action
Why can the EVs be designed to generate electricity while in motion or while at rest just like the human body?
Einstein said, “Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another”. This first law of thermodynamics which also known as Law of Conservation of Energy works in all sphere of life.
An 100% self-charging Electric Vehicle is net-zero, and only this can be classified as truly sustainable.
Using bio-inspired engineering, we must build solutions that can harvest the energy during motion, using a portion of the energy generated to move and another portion to recharge their batteries while in motion.