Instead of choosing to binge-watch your favorite show rather than go to bed on a work night, consider how being well-rested can actually make your job easier.
Not only does healthy sleep improve your mood, but it also improves your job performance. After a good night’s rest, it’s easier to detect and correct mistakes at work. You’ll think quicker and be more productive. Sleep maximizes your attention, memory and learning. Additionally, proper sleep helps you stay alert and avoid accidents.
Sleeping on the job
CDC data shows 35 percent of American adults fail to sleep the recommended minimum of seven hours per night. Every aspect of your daily life is affected by lack of sleep, particularly in the workplace. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can’t be solved with an extra cup of coffee or a quick nap.
Sleep deprivation is linked to lower productivity at work. Every year the United States loses the equivalent of around 1.2 million working days due to insufficient sleep.
Insufficient sleep can increase the likelihood of car accidents, industrial accidents, medical errors and loss of work productivity. Working while fatigued can impair your cognitive performance. It’s harder to focus and stay on track, and you have an increased risk of errors when you’re tired.
Promoting better habits
Setting consistent sleep and wake times is a good way to develop healthy sleep habits. Try to get seven hours of sleep or more on a regular basis. Limiting electronic use before bed and practicing a relaxing nighttime routine can make it easier to fall asleep.
If you’re struggling to stay asleep at night and suspect you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor who may refer you to a board-certified sleep medicine physician.
Feeling tired at work doesn’t have to be the norm. Make sleep a priority and experience all the beneficial ways sleep works for you.
