RECHARGING THE MOST IMPORTANT BATTERY
Money magazine did a reader survey exploring the topic of how sleep affects various aspects of workers’ lives and the consequences for employers (“The Financial Side of Sleep” March 2016, p. 18). One fundamental point that comes across loud and clear is that sleep is important. Both workers and employers are perhaps more concerned with it today than ever in the past, and for many good reasons. Workers that receive adequate sleep are generally healthier. That is good for the workers and good for the employers.
Achieving adequate sleep is an ongoing challenge. Some believe that the more sleep you get, the healthier you are. I disagree. Quality of sleep and listening to your body are much more important factors. There is such a thing as getting too much sleep. Most of us don’t have that problem, but it does happen and it is not a good thing.
Here are a few tips for achieving a balance in your sleep:
- Prioritize the things of your life. You cannot do everything. Decide what your ongoing priorities should be and stick to them.
- Listen to your body. It is pretty good at giving you the right signals, whether happy or sad. Whether you are feeling good or bad, think about what your body is trying to tell you.
- Make adjustments where you can. Sometimes you simply have to change your routines. Other times you must eliminate or add certain things in your life. This of course is different for each individual. However, making the needed adjustments where you can will radically improve your delicate dance with your nocturnal needs.
Sweet dreams!
