I used to OPD this ARMOR Article from 1994 - still truthful to me. It highlights the scientific effects of sleep deprivation and correlates it with some historical battles where the mental exhaustion of the commander affected the outcome.

I'm someone that knows I need 7-8h sleep for best functionality.

Quote Originally Posted by "Rest for the Weary" by Captain Patrick Chaisson

As mentioned before, sleep depriva-
tion takes its heaviest toll on the
mind’s ability to process and evaluate
information. Those most affected by
sleep deficiency, then, are soldiers
who think for a living — fire direc-
tion center crews, radar operators,
leaders at all levels.
and ...

Maintaining the Initiative
Effective sleep management is a
combat multiplier. A commander who
can apply unrelenting pressure to a
weary foe will have the advantage.
Well-rested, mentally alert soldiers
fight better than troops who are ex-
hausted. Sleep management begins
with command emphasis — leaders
must set the example!
Those who regularly deny them-
selves sleep in misguided attempts to
prove their endurance will fail. The
smart field leader recognizes his limi-
tations and those of his men. Tech-
niques such as those described above
will allow our maneuver forces to
maintain the initiative even after
weeks and months of intensive com-
bat. In conclusion, remember that the
ultimate objective of sleep manage-
ment is to let us fight smarter so we
can fight harder.