A conundrum: you need sleep so you can work but you can’t sleep because you need to work. It’s a relatable scenario, to say the least! Whether you decide to put off that task or make yourself another cup of coffee and power through for a few more hours, it’s important to know just how much sleep (or the lack of) can affect your job.
Little sleep means lesser productivity levels.
Adults should get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Any amount below that range can affect brain function. Being sleep deprived and exhausted diminishes mind clarity, this is why someone overworked can find it challenging to absorb information and make sound decisions.
Sleep affects creativity.
Chronic sleep deprivation dims our thinking bulbs. When a project calls for a serious amount of creativity, it also calls for a serious amount of sleep prior! Otherwise, we can’t fully explore our creative spaces and take advantage of all our creative juices.
Sleep impacts our physical health.
Being lethargic makes us more likely to get sick than a well-rested person. Poor sleeping habits, according to several studies, are connected to our body’s immune system. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of serious medical conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Lack of sleep leads to negative emotions, too.
Someone who, for example, regularly gets only three hours of sleep is likely to be irritable, less empathetic, and not as cooperative. A terrible mix of clouded judgment and low emotional intelligence is quite a recipe for disaster! Exhaustion’s profound impact on our feelings and mood can make or break our work performance in the long-term.
How do we prevent our lack of sleep from taking a toll on our jobs and personal lives?
Darken the blurred lines between work and life!
The ease of communication brought about by digital technology pushes work and life into a gray area where it kind of becomes difficult to detach ourselves from the workplace even after we leave the office or clock out. This can not only cause stress but it can also prod us to work round the clock in exchange for our (truly) precious sleeping hours. It’s important that we set boundaries and place ample rest at the top of our must-dos!
Talk to your boss.
While you may hesitate to discuss your demanding work schedule in the fear of it coming off as "incompetence”, a healthy conversation with your boss can positively impact both you and your work performance! It’s always good to set things clear on which things are top priorities and which aren’t!
Be realistic.
No one wants to overpromise and underdeliver, so it’s best to practice the art of saying no in the workplace and not spread ourselves too thin. When you know for a fact that a deadline is too tight or your workload is too heavy, communicate!
Take it easy!
Resting is an essential part of our jobs! When your body and mind seem to be yearning to call it a night, do that exactly. Investing in a great-quality bed that’s comfortable, back-pain-proof, and deep sleep-friendly is of the essence, too! A good diet, regular activity, natural supplements, and healthy sleeping patterns will for sure work their magic.
To Conclude
Consider it a wake-up call (pun intended): you 100% need your sleep! Even if your lack of sleep doesn’t seem to be affecting your job now, it unfortunately will in the long run. Explore wiggle rooms and know that one of the greatest investments of all is self-care!
Sources:
https://www.hult.edu/blog/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-work-and-performance/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/good-sleep-and-job-performance