Today is World Sleep Day and it’s a reminder of how vital sleep is to our well-being. While many of us know that sleep is essential for health, fewer people realise how much it impacts our work. Getting quality rest doesn’t just make us feel better, but it can boost our productivity, creativity, and overall work performance. Therefore, we’ve written this blog post about why sleep matters for your workday focus to help you.
Why Sleep Matters For Your Workday Focus
There are links between good quality sleep and workplace functioning:
Cognitive Function: Sleep plays a crucial role in memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. When we don’t get enough sleep, we’re more likely to struggle with focus, forget things, and make mistakes. In fact, studies show that sleep-deprived workers are more likely to have reduced reaction times and less mental clarity.
Mood and Communication: A good night’s rest helps regulate mood, making it easier to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Without enough sleep, irritability can set in, leading to potential misunderstandings in the workplace.
Health and Absenteeism: Sleep deprivation is linked to a higher risk of sickness and absenteeism. A well-rested body has a stronger immune system and is less likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses, reducing sick days and improving long-term health outcomes.
What can we all do to help ourselves?
Prioritise Sleep: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. It might sound like a lot but ensuring that your body is properly rested will pay off in the long run. Try setting a consistent bedtime and sticking to it, even on weekends!
Take Breaks: Taking short breaks throughout the day helps maintain focus and reduces mental fatigue.
Stay Active: Light physical activity, like a quick walk or some stretches, can increase blood flow and improve concentration. Regular exercise also promotes better sleep quality, so it’s a win-win!
Mindful Technology Use: The blue light from screens can interfere with sleep. Avoid looking at your phone, computer, or tablet at least an hour before bed. Instead, try reading a book or practicing relaxation techniques.
Here are a few things we do as a team at Journey Recruitment:
Decaffeinated drinks: We drink decaf drinks instead of caffeinated drinks as much as we can. Some of us enjoy herbal teas and green teas too.
Mindful Breaks: We all take a proper lunch break. These breaks are great for mental clarity and give us a chance to recharge.
Calm Workspace: We have quiet “alone-time” areas for peace and quiet, this contributes to mental well-being, making it easier to focus.
Movement: We appreciate that moving is so important. Some of us walk every lunchtime or go to the gym whilst others practice yoga and meditate outside of work to aid the sleep process.
Natural remedies and supplements: Some of us take magnesium as it helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system.
We’re all about supporting each other in maintaining a healthy balance between work and rest. You can’t beat a good night’s sleep! For more tips and tricks, please do visit our other blog posts here. If you’re looking for a great new job, please do follow the link to our jobs page here.
