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Sleeping Your Way to Greater Productivity
When working longer does not accomplish more

50 million Americans suffer from sleep problems that affect their daily work, personal relationships, and safety. (National Sleep Foundation*)

The Situation

Our work hours keep increasing, and we struggle to fit in all the demands for our time.

  • 25% have a workday between 8 and 9 hours.
  • 25% say they work between 9 and 10 hours.
  • 33% say they work 10 hours or more.
  • 23% did job-related work within an hour before going to bed.
Add to these numbers the additional tasks related to family and household, and it is easy to see what the problem is. With too many things to juggle, hours needed for sleep are often sacrificed.

The Results at Work

A busy day, combined with lack of sleep, definitely impacts workplace performance.

  • 40% became impatient with others a few times per month
  • 27% found it difficult to concentrate
  • 20% produced less than they had anticipated being able to do
  • 19% have injured themselves or had a job accident in the past year

In order to counter the results of sleepiness, it is common to turn to caffeinated drinks, snacks high in sugar and carbs, or stimulant medications. None of these is physically beneficial, and, in turn, can actually disrupt sleep, despite how tired you are. Thus the cycle continues.

Personal Solutions
  1. Allow a minimum of two hours away from work issues before bedtime.
  2. Cut off caffeine for at least eight hours prior to sleep.
  3. Do not eat a heavy meal within three hours of sleep time.
  4. Maintain a relaxing bedtime routine.
Business Solutions
  1. Napping
    • 34% say that their employers permit naps during breaks.
    • 16% say employers provide a place for them to nap.
    • 26% more said they would nap if the employer allowed it.
  2. Monitoring Hours—Focus on results rather than hours spent. Those who come in early and stay late may actually not be the best producers. Discourage this routine or explore what could be done to counter the need. Better sleep patterns produce higher productivity within the working day.
Sleep is as important to our safety, health and productivity as is eating and drinking. If you are one of those who struggle to get enough sleep, review your daily schedule and your priorities. Are you trying to do it all? Since that is not possible, be selective in how you spend your evenings. With enough sleep, you will actually accomplish more the next day!

*Statistics from surveys by the National Sleep Foundation
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