In a time where it seems that everyone is tired, it almost seems nonsensical that there are not more people who are concerned about the time they spend sleeping and the quality of sleep they have on any given night.
Not getting enough sleep has almost been interpreted as a sign of ultimate productivity. They can’t have been working that hard if they still look well-rested, right? Wrong. Sleep is a crucial component of our lives, especially when we are seeking to get more done in less time. This post will focus on what sleep can do for you and how you can improve your night’s rest.
According to the Sleep Foundation, it is estimated that decreases in productivity cost each individual employer about $1,967 per employee per year. In an organization such as BYU, which has about 14,670 employees according to Zippia.com, that is a total of $28,855,890 lost annually due to a lack of employees being well-rested. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious health implications and increase the risk of conditions such as anxiety, depression, obesity, and heart disease. People who sleep more are less prone to making errors due to quicker reaction times and an overall higher alertness.
When someone comes into work and did not sleep well the night before, it shows. Part of becoming a dependable and capable employee is consistently being able to perform well. Without enough sleep, we can only hope to perform at a suboptimal level, leading others to believe that we are inconsistent rather than consistent performers.
So how can you go about improving your sleep? For starters, you can limit the time spent looking at a screen before bed. Studies show that the blue light emitted from screens reduces melatonin, which decreases the feelings of sleepiness, leading to a harder time falling asleep. Another suggestion is to not even have electronics in the bedroom. Keep the TV and cell phone out of the room and buy an inexpensive old-fashioned alarm clock. Adults should seek to get at least 7 hours of sleep at night. A big part of being able to fall asleep at a reasonable time is having a set sleep schedule. Decide when you are going to stop looking at screens and start getting ready for bed. Consistency is the key. Finally, create a hard line between work and home. In a world that prides itself on staying connected, it is important to find some boundaries that allow you to take back the time you need to relax. Decide not to answer calls and emails past a certain time and let those who work around you know that you are working hard on creating a better balance.
All in all, it is the small, daily things we do that can have the biggest impacts on our work and personal life. If sleep has been something that has been neglected, then it is time to shift your focus and set yourself up for success.