How many times have you heard and read that key to a better you is getting more and better quality sleep?
Our bodies require proper nutrition, exercise and sleep to function properly. As I have mentioned before: it’s not a coincidence that sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Since issue of how sleep impacts your productivity and time management has been popping up here and there, I decided it would be a great idea to put all of it in one place.
Better overall health
Sleep is one of our body’s natural functions and it’s required for the rest of us to function. It improves your immune system – it helps you fight off infections, inflammation and stress. There is also a number of chronic diseases with positive correlation to sleep deprivation, such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. You can’t do your best work if you are sick, so catch up on those z’s!
Better focus and concentration
Does your mind wander when you are tired, too? Mine sure does! Scientists have confirmed that if you are well-rested, you can concentrate more fully and for longer – so it’s clearly not just me.
Improved memory
Your brain processes and consolidates memories when you are asleep. This means you will remember more if you sleep more. Most work requires retention of information, so you will get more work done (and at better quality) if you are rested well enough for your brain to operate your memory at full capacity.
Increased creativity
Have you ever heard anybody say that they need to sleep on a problem? Sure you have! It sounds like a worn out phrase, but it’s true. When you are rested, your brain can put thoughts together in new, interesting ways, rather than focusing on mere survival.
More efficient decision making
Best decisions are rarely made at the end of an all-nighter, and I don’t only mean the impact of alcohol on your ability to think clearly. Sleep deprivation have similar effects on your judgement. You are already struggling with focusing on problem at hand, you can’t remember all the facts involved and aren’t making creative connections between facts that you do remember. How is this going to lead to a good, quick decision? Maybe you should sleep on it… Or better yet: make sure you get a good night sleep every night, so you don’t have to delay your work until you are in better shape.