Sleep is one of our body’s most important biological functions and is key to our well-being. Sadly, many of us do not realize the important role sleep plays in our lives and subsequently allow poor sleeping into our routines. According to surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation from 1999-2004, at least 60 percent of adults regularly encounter sleep problems.
Yet, many of us feel as if a broken sleep pattern is the norm and maybe even a badge of pride for our late-night productivity.
However, the sacrifice of sleep for productivity is not an equal trade. Avoiding the recommended sleep duration of 7-9 hours ( for adults) carries steep repercussions, including attention lapses, poorer cognition, weak reactions, and mood dysregulation. Many of us will develop tolerance to our chronic sleep deprivation despite the risks it carries — it will just feel normal to be chronically unrested — especially if you are drowning in a culture of workaholics.
This state of sleeplessness should not be the norm for anyone. We all deserve our rest to feel and perform our best.
Here’s how correcting your sleep will heal your body and bolster your mind:
- Heart Disease Protection: A critical risk of cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure. If you are worried about your heart health, the first line of defense is sleep! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy sleep enables your body to better regulate its blood pressure levels and minimize the risks of heart disease.
- Reinforced Concentration: According to several studies conducted in the early 2000s, it has been noted that sleep deprivation acutely affects the domains of concentration, productivity, and cognition. With adequate sleep, your brain has the resources and strength to better regulate these essential cognitive functions throughout the day.
- Ward off Depression: A JAMA Psychiatry study examined patterns in depressed individuals and found a critical link between poor sleep and the devastating effects of depression. Particularly in the tragic case of suicide victims: chronic sleep dysfunction was a shared contributing factor in these individuals’ suffering.
Does your work team need to prioritize sleep and wellness? Use Sleep School and other group classes in our Corporate Wellness Solutions for a variety of team building, health, and morale-boosting activities.
If you’re interested in incorporating overall wellness into your team culture, set up a meeting with me directly here.