The vast majority of us have experienced the effects of sleep deprivation firsthand. Whether it's a sleepless night or a week-long work trip, you know that being tired makes everything harder: your focus, attention, and productivity are all affected by not getting enough sleep at night. You might also know that this can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, but did you know there are many other ways sleep affects your well-being? In this article, we'll explore the effects of chronic lack of sleep on work and productivity as well as give some tips on how to combat these issues.
When you're sleep deprived, your focus, attention, and productivity suffer.
When you're sleep deprived, your focus, attention, and productivity suffer.
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Your brain isn't able to process information as quickly or accurately.
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You find it more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.
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The quality of your work suffers because of this lack of focus.
The bottom line: If you think about the tasks that make up an average workday—reading emails and reports; writing documents; making phone calls; checking social media—you can see how many essential functions require a sharp mind in order to be completed properly. There's a reason why sleep deprivation is so often associated with accidents on the job site: when people are tired, they aren't as attentive or careful as they should be while performing their duties! This can lead not only to mistakes but also physical harm for those around them who may not notice what's happening until it's too late (if ever).
Sleep deprivation affects your mood, too.
A lack of sleep can also contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can make it harder to focus at work. You may also have trouble coming up with new ideas for projects at work, since those who don’t get enough sleep tend to have less creative problem-solving skills and are less able to think outside the box.
Sleep deprivation can cause physical changes too: people who don’t get enough shut-eye tend to feel fatigued during the day, so they might take longer breaks throughout the day than their co-workers do—and even be tempted by a quick nap on their lunch break!
You're not alone in your sleep struggles.
You're not alone in your sleep struggles.
Sleep deprivation is a widespread problem, with 25% of Canadians having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Even those who aren't officially diagnosed with insomnia frequently struggle to get enough rest. If you have trouble sleeping, you're likely familiar with the feeling of being exhausted during waking hours, often for weeks at a time—and that's not just because your body needs more rest; it's also because lack of sleep can make you feel tired!
You can change this for yourself with a few easy steps.
Sleep deprivation is a common issue, but it's not necessary. There are many ways to improve the quality of your sleep, so you can get the rest and energy you need to excel at work and in life.
If you're not sleeping well right now—or if you want to improve your sleep—try these tips:
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Establish regularity by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
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Relax before bed with a warm bath or shower (or a hot cup of tea!). This will help prepare your body for sleep by slowing down heart rate and blood pressure, relaxing muscles, easing stress, and calming the mind.
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Keep electronics out of the bedroom; they emit blue light which interferes with melatonin production – making it harder for you to fall asleep! If necessary, try using software and apps that change screen colors throughout the day so that nighttime viewing won't be as disruptive!
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Invest in a quality mattress and pillow that suits YOUR needs. Whether you're a hot sleeper, suffer from back pain, or just simply prefer a plush mattress, there's always an option for you. Don't settle for a one-mattress-fits-all solution.
Conclusion
If you're ready to take back control of your sleep and your day, there are some things you can do. First, prioritize sleep over other activities that aren't as important. Put away screens before bedtime and make sure to avoid caffeine after noon. If possible, try going on vacation for a week or two so that you can really reset yourself from work stressors (and get some extra rest!). Finally, when it comes down to it - remember that sometimes the best thing is just getting enough hours in one night without fail!
ABOUT SLEEPENVIE
Sleepenvie is a Canadian online mattress-in-a-box and bedroom lifestyle brand that focuses on customization, convenience, and charitable contribution.
We make the mattress-buying process easy by delivering it directly to your door in one easy-to-handle compact box. We strongly believe in customizability, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. An easy one-minute quiz matches you to the ideal mattress for your lifestyle and sleep habits.
Check us out online at www.sleepenvie.com and on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest at @Sleepenvie. Sweet dreams!