Sleep Management

In this age of technology and advancement, we belong to a hyper-connected culture but there is one thing we cannot get enough of and that is sleep. Thanks to the long working hours and the electronic devices our brain fails to power down and that disturbs our natural sleep-wake cycle.

Most of the individuals stay up all night and they cannot get the required 7 to 8 hours of sleep. 50 to 70 million people are suffering from a sleep disorder and sleep deprivation has turned into an epidemic. Lack of sleep not only affects our health and relationship but also our career.

Sleep and Ceridian rhythms

Sleep is an important part of life and it is important to keep our energy levels high and to help us feel better. Just like hunger makes us eat, tiredness makes us want to get some sleep. We can be tired due to different reasons like long working hours, exercise or a full day of driving. However, t6he real question is why our body needs sleep in order to perform properly. Here are some of the important reasons we have to consider.

1-Inactive theory

It is one of the oldest theories regarding sleep and it is known as the evolutionary or adaptive theory. It suggests that inactivity during the night helps the individuals with the management of their next day. It protects them from any potential harm.

2-Theory of energy conservation

We know that energy is very important for our body and the only way to preserve the energy and bring it back to a normal level is through food and sleep. The normal human body utilizes energy during the day and preserves it when the body is least efficient.

3-Restorative theory

The biggest benefit of sleep is that it provides the body a chance to repair itself and restore all the important function. This is the during consulting most of the specialists suggests the patients sleep for a particular amount of time.

4-Brain plasticity theory

It is a recently developed theory according to which sleep is related to the proper functioning of the brain. It is important that our circadian rhythms are properly maintained because that is the only way to manage life properly an avoid sleep deprivation.

Sleep and cognitive abilities

It has been noticed that the response time of the brain is lowered due to improper sleep. It leads to a sluggish and slow body due to which people find it hard to perform properly. If you will not have proper sleep the next day your IQ level will be lowered. Continuous sleep deprivation can have a poor effect on your leadership skills because you will remain lethargic and irritated all the time. It is important to have a proper 7 to 8 hours of sleep so that you can think straight and your problem-solving skills will improve.

Reduce stress with proper sleep

Lack of sleep leads to a stressful body. In order to deal with the stress, our body starts to produce stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. In a recent study, two different groups were compared. It was found that the group suffering from sleep deprivation had a higher level of stress as compared to those who had a proper good night’s sleep.

If we are able to manage stress we will become healthy as well as we will be able to concentrate properly on our work. Having proper sleep means that we will not have to take time off work and business management will be more efficient and products. Some common symptoms of stress due to sleep deprivation are.

• Memory issues
• Lack of concentration
• Poor judgments
• Problem-solving skills will be reduced
• Negativity
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Constant worrying

It will lead to a short temper, frustration, and irritability that will have a negative effect on your business relationships. Communication, interaction, and collaboration are the key to a successful business and lack of sleep can seriously affect these skills.

Sleep and health

If you want to have a successful career you will have to pay attention to your health. Remember that health is not only eating proper food and having an exercise plan. If you are tired you are not healthy. Proper sleep helps our body to remain healthy. Sleep deprivation can affect the immune system of the body and so we become vulnerable to common diseases that reduce our efficiency.

Enough sleep will improve your immune system and will help you stay concentrated and active all the time. When you are aware of your surroundings it would be easier for you to concentrate on your work and provide the best solutions and consulting services.

Tips to improve your sleep

In order to have the best leadership skills and prove that you can handle the business properly, you have to pay attention to your sleep. You have to start will paying attention to your food. Do not consume food items that are high in sugar or caffeine at night because that act as stimulants and you will not be able to fall asleep. Some of the important food items that you have to avoid are.

• Fatty foods
• Spicy food
• Alcohol
• Nicotine
• Heavy meals

You should avoid consuming food right before bedtime. It is better to have a light meal like fruits at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. You can do exercise or yoga that will make your body feel tired and it will be easier for you to fall asleep.

When we use mobile or play games our brain remains active and so it is hard to fall asleep. You have to avoid using screens at night. Even do not watch TV for at least 30 minutes before going to bed. It will help the nerves to relax and the moment you are on the bed you will be into a deep sleep.

Maintain your sleeping schedule. You should go to bed early so you can wake up early in the morning. Once you maintain your sleep-wake cycle you will notice a positive improvement in your life.