How much sleep do you get on an average evening? Could getting more make you a healthier, happier, and more productive person?

Although common sense tells us that a well-rested worker can do more – and think more creatively – than their exhausted counterpart, it isn’t unusual for busy executives to practically brag about how little time they spend getting a little shuteye. In fact, many of the busiest people tend to treat sleep almost as an addiction: something they need, but would rather do without.

As an interesting infographic from Frugal Dad points out, however, burning the midnight oil is typically only a short-term solution. Getting more rest is a great way to be more productive… and going without it can be dangerous.

One of the most interesting observations is that most of us are getting about 20% less sleep than our counterparts were 100 years ago. Add that to the fact that sleep deprivation has been blamed for one-fifth of all auto accidents, and played a part in several major recent man-made disasters, and you can see how good sleeping time can be important for your career and safety.

Here are a few tips to help you get the sleep you need and start each day ready to do your best:

Make sleep a time-management priority. Give yourself a bedtime that makes sense, and then get in the habit of sticking to it regularly.

Use light to your advantage. Soaking in some natural daylight during the day – and staying away from a computer or television screen right before bed – are great ways to help your body adjust and fall asleep quicker.

Aim for high-quality sleep. It is not enough just to lie in bed. Cut back on the caffeine, learn to relax, and shoot for several solid hours of peaceful, undisturbed sleep.

Give yourself a short nap. Sleeping 10 or 15 minutes in the afternoon can boost your mood or productivity, but be careful not to stay in bed too long, as a longer nap can disrupt your sleeping patterns.

It is easy to pass up on sleep, especially when you’re too focused on the personal and professional goals you want to go to bed. Everything in life is harder to do when you’re tired, however, so give your body the break it needs and make sure to get enough rest every evening.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•