Whenever I read about high achievers that can function on four hours sleep a night I feel a little inadequate like some lazy couch potato.
My body demands at least six hours sleep with an aspirational goal of eight hours each and every night.
Anything less and I find myself aimlessly wandering around like a mindless zombie unable to focus or concentrate on the job at hand.
So why am I so preoccupied with sleep when we are about to embark on that great adventure known as the ARBS Exhibition? It's because it takes serious self-discipline to restrict oneself to 18-hour days for the duration of the three-day event. Sure it is only three days but they are long days and even longer nights.
This is particularly true for those of us who are attending a gala event every evening throughout ARBS as this means falling into bed at midnight only to be up at 6am for those early morning breakfast panels the next day.
As a reporter I want to cover as much as possible which is why the sleep factor has taken on way too much significance. I will be relying on all of my practical sensibilities to avoid the "let's kick on for a few more drinks" suggestion that inevitably pops up in good company. As we all know it takes steely determination and an unbreakable resolve to dodge that one as that single decision can set the tone for the entire trip.
Thankfully our adventure has begun on a positive note. CCN has published a special 100-page ARBS preview in the May edition of the magazine which means CCN readers are certainly well prepared. Get your copy at subscriptions@yaffa.com.au
It includes everything from the floor plan to exhibitor listings, stand highlights and product announcements. It is the essential guide to all things ARBS. For daily updates from the showroom floor in Melbourne next week don't forget to sign up to the CCN e-newsletter at www.climatecontrolnews.com.au
And if you do have time please feel free to drop by the CCN stand (nos.724) we would love to see you. Until then, sweet dreams.