Reasons Why Better Sleep Equals More Success

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for good health and a successful career. Getting enough sleep is just as important for your health as eating well and getting exercise. Sleep gives your body time to restore and repair itself. Sleep is also essential in processing new information and boosting memory.

Unfortunately, having a busy and stress-filled job can interrupt sleep patterns. If you have deadlines to meet, you could be a tempted to use precious sleep time to get your work done. Or, stress could make falling asleep difficult or result in interrupted sleep patterns.

In this article, you will learn about ways to improve your sleep habits. You will find out how these simple lifestyle changes can boost your chances of success.

Dangers of a lack of sleep

Good sleep habits should be part of a healthy lifestyle routine that positively affects relationships, family life, and work habits. Some studies suggest that many people unknowingly suffer from sleep deprivation.

A 2017 review published in the journal Nature of Science and Sleep found that 45% of respondents had trouble falling asleep. Also, 35% of people surveyed described their sleep quality as poor to fair. 

How can lack of sleep be detrimental to your career success?

According to information published in 2019, a lack of sleep causes a number of adverse medical and mental dysfunctions. Insufficient sleep negatively impacts on the body’s function and immune system. For example, not sleeping enough leads to risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental performance.

Many studies also point out that inadequate sleep in working adults leads to tension, negative moods, burnout at work, and increased risk of accidents. The study concluded that businesses should create a healthy environment that doesn’t “interfere with an employee’s right to adequate sleep”.

How much sleep do you need?

Of course, we are all different and some people seem to operate well with only sleeping a few hours a night. How much sleep do we need to keep our bodies functioning properly?

According to the journal Sleep Science, adults need a minimum of 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night.

3 ways why getting more sleep can benefit your career

Let’s look at a few reasons why getting adequate sleep can boost your career and even make you more successful.

1. Quality sleep improves productivity

Sleep is one of the best ways to improve mental function such as concentration, memory, and performance. In fact, some scientific studies suggest that a lack of sleep can be as dangerous as drinking too much alcohol.

Getting plenty of sleep maximises mental skills you need to be productive at your job.

2. Adequate sleep strengthens your immune system

Another way that sleep benefits your career is that adequate sleep helps keep you healthy. Not getting enough quality sleep impairs your immune system. This can lead to increased risk of viral infections and even chronic diesases. It also may be harder to shake off a cold or flu bug if you are not sleeping enough.

So, getting at least the recommended amount of sleep makes you more useful to your employer because you probably take fewer sick days off.

Sleep makes you a better employee

Coming to work feeling well-rested means that you have more to give throughout the day. For example, you won’t miss out on important things because of feeling groggy. You will avoid making poor impressions by not yawning during meetings or conversations. Also, you will find it easier to keep your cool with irritable employees (who are probably short-tempered because they are not getting enough sleep!)

How to get more quality sleep

Here are a few practical tips to make sure that you get your recommended amount of sleep.

• Try to have a regular routine of when you go to bed and get up, even on weekends.
• Incorporate a power nap into your daily routine to help boost productivity.
• Avoid technology before going to bed as this stimulates the brain.

Avoid alcohol or caffeine before you go to sleep.