Sleep: Say What You Mean; Mean What You Say

It's critical in journalism that what we write is precise, and that sloppy wording desn't create an unintended meaning, like we do here:

Studies on sleep deprivation may lead to depression, being clumsy, acting stupid and even causing horrible major disasters.

Now, carefully and literally read what we wrote here: that sleep studies may cause problems.

Of course, that's not what we meant. What we meant was, studies found that sleep deprivation could cause all sorts of problems.

But that's not what we said.

When we finish writing, it's not a bad idea to give yourself a moment or two to decompress, and then start reading your story with an open and blank mind, considering it from the perspective of someone who has no previous knowledge of the topic and no special insight (which is the perspective of almost everyone in your audience).

In addition to checking the facts, make sure that what you say makes sense, and is true to the facts, and that you're saying what you mean to say, and the way it's written can't possibly be confused by anyone reading the story. Good intentions aren't enough; clarity is key.

Say what you mean, and mean what you say. In this case, this (italics mine):

Studies found sleep deprivation may lead to depression, being clumsy, acting stupid and even causing horrible major disasters.

Now, we do.