1. A method, in a data processing system, for performing a wake-and-go operation, the method comprising: dynamically allocating storage space in a hardware private array for storing thread state information for a thread, wherein the hardware private array cannot be addressed by an operating system or work threads running on a processor; initiating execution of the thread; detecting that the thread is waiting for an event that modifies a data value associated with a target address; populating a wake-and-go storage array with the target address; storing a state of the thread in the hardware private array; placing the thread in a sleep state; and responsive to the event that modifies a data value associated with the target address, reloading the thread state from the hardware private array and placing the thread in a non-sleep state.