Are you looking for a secret to better organizational skills, improved communication and decision-making skills, and a way to be more popular with coworkers? If you are falling short on being better at business, it’s time to hit the sack. Studies show that 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Most people fail to recognize that success at work is just a good night’s sleep away.
We know about the health benefits of getting some sleep. Studies show that sleep reduces the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart and kidney disease, but few people realize the direct link sleeping has to work performance.
By committing to seven to eight hours of sleep each night, you will experience at least three notable improvements in your work performance.
1.Better decision-making skills
When the company’s success rests on your ability to make thoughtful decisions, getting adequate sleep is an effective way to keep your head clear and your decisions sharp. “In this business, I face hard decisions every day,” said Ryan Westwood, CEO of Simplus, a Salesforce implementation partner. “Sleep helps me feel better prepared to face the pressures of running a corporation and the decisions that are required to keep us moving forward.”
2. Improved organization skills
It’s tempting to believe that extra time spent working will bring on better results. In truth, in the long run, stepping away from regular overtime hours will improve organization and time management skills. To ensure better control of your time, avoid late-night screen time, as well. “It doesn’t matter the size of it, any screen time should be limited to 2 hours or less per day and not within 30 minutes before the desired bedtime,” says Cindy Gellner, M.D. at University of Utah Health Care.
3. You will be more likable.
If you are convinced the entire company is filled with lazy, negative people–take another look. It may be you that needs the attitude adjustment. “Missing one night of sleep can cause you to remember 59 percent fewer positive words, which could make you overly focus on the negative,” says Katie MacDonald. It could be possible that the work environment has its share of problems, but facing the situation well-rested will help you better handle the situation.
Related link: 3 ways to make that old body feel new again
4. Reduce stress
Let’s face it. Work can be stressful, and lacking a good night’s sleep contributes to those feelings of stress. As a common culprit for lacking organization, some experts say that those of us who continually deprive ourselves of sleep may experience episodes of microsleep. “Microsleep refers to brief moments of sleep that occurs when you’re normally awake,” say experts at the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute. “You can’t control microsleep, and you might not be aware of it.” For example, have you ever driven somewhere and then not remembered part of the trip? If so, you may have experienced microsleep. Those interruptions can create added stress, which can be controlled with sleep.
Related link: Six fat-free ways to handle stress
So, if you want to accomplish more on the job, but find yourself sleeping on the job due to lack of sleep, go to bed. We have a long way to go before sleep in valued as much as it should be,” said Dr. Jessica Payne. “But sleep is easy; it comes naturally; it’s free. Smart companies–and wise leaders–will start to harness it.”
This article was originally published by the Daily Herald.
