Like it or not, sleep is a foundation for good health. Along with diet and exercise, sleep affects our ability to function every day. When you’re unable to get quality sleep, it can start to impact your daily life and long-term career. Here is a closer look at how sleep can affect your job and what to do about it.
How Can Sleep Affect Your Career?
Negative Sleep Patterns Start Young
Often we believe that it isn’t until adulthood that people forgo sleep regularly. However, studies show that this begins in youth. Sleep patterns for teenagers are often interrupted by school and work requirements. If a teen goes to college, that environment typically encourages all-nighters and less sleep. But even if your sleep patterns started when you were younger, it doesn’t mean there’s no hope for adjustment.
Good Sleep Boosts Confidence
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that using your willpower to make your sleeping habits healthier can lead to greater confidence. Using your resolve boosts feelings of confidence which then leads to positive action. When you get a good night’s sleep, you’ll have a productive day, allowing you to take more pride in your work.
Sleep Deprivation Can Impair Cognitive Function
The biggest problem with avoiding sleep or trying to get by on too little sleep is the effect on cognitive function. If you’ve ever complained about “brain fog” after not getting enough sleep, that’s how we recognize cognitive impairment. It slows down how quickly we react to things, our ability to think clearly, and our memory retention.
It’s Never Too Late to Improve Sleep
As we mentioned, it’s never too late to improve sleep. The first step is to be consistent. Go to bed at the same time every night. Make your room dark, quiet, and a comfortable sleeping temperature. Stop using electronic devices before bedtime, and don’t eat close to the time you go to sleep. Exercising more during the day will also help improve sleep at night.
Are you looking for less stress in your life?
Talk to the team at Recruiting in Motion about a new job that fits your skills and interests.
