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Wellness Wednesday: Better Night’s Sleep

The Importance of a Good Night’s

Sleep

Getting enough sleep isn’t always possible with our busy schedules, and we’ve all had trouble sleeping at one time or another. But inadequate sleep and the fatigue you feel as a result is a bigger problem than you may think.

Fatigue causes drowsiness, moodiness, loss of energy, inability to focus, and lack of motivation and alertness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms during the workday, then fatigue is impacting your job. Consider the following:

  1. Individuals who are fatigued are not nearly as productive as someone well-rested and alert, and do not produce their highest quality work.
  2. Moodiness or irritability resulting from fatigue could rub your coworkers the wrong way.
  3. If your job is at all hazardous, then fatigue presents a great safety risk for both you and your colleagues.
  4. If you drive during your commute or on the job, fatigue makes you extremely dangerous behind the wheel.

Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep Hygiene – to help you establish and maintain a sleep routine:

  1. Strive for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This may involve changing the schedule you’re used to, but it’s vital to make sleep a priority.
  2. Keep a regular schedule – try to go to bed and wake up the same time each day, including weekends.
  3. Create a good sleep environment, including comfortable room temperature, minimal noise and sufficient darkness.
  4. Keep track of habits that help you fall asleep, like relaxing music or reading before bed. Repeat those activities each night.

Healthy Habits – to help you sleep better and contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle:

  1. Eat nutritiously. Good eating habits can help you sleep better and feel energized all day.
  2. Exercise regularly. This also helps your sleep quality and daytime energy level.
  3. Avoid caffeine and nicotine three to four hours before going to bed. Also avoid big meals, vigorous exercise and alcohol close to bedtime.

If these tips do not help you sleep better, or you suspect you have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or insomnia, see your doctor.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Health & Wellness.