The Importance of Sleep Health for Peak Performance at Work

Here’s a situation: A work deadline is looming, and you cut your sleep short to complete your task and meet the deadline. Because of the building work pressure, this has become your regular routine.

Result?

You’re chronically sleep-deprived. 

But did you know that trying to work while being sleep-deprived impacts your job performance? Without enough sleep and rest, your body works suboptimal, impacting your creativity and productivity. 

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of obesity, heart ailments, dementia, and cognitive decline. 

Why should employees bother about their sleep? 

Let’s get straight to some statistics. Sleep deprivation alone costs US companies 63 billion dollars every year. Sleep deprivation leads to burnout, depression, and physical ailments, increases the risk of injury, and drops the productivity of the employees. You’ll be surprised to know that one who is 20 hours awake performs similarly to someone legally drunk with a 0.1% alcohol level. 

Tips to improve sleep quality

A good night’s sleep is the most underrated tip to recharge from work stress. While many factors can interfere with a night of good sleep, like work pressure, family responsibilities, unhealthy sleeping habits, and illnesses, you can improve your sleep routine with mindful practice. Here are some tips to follow:

Plan a sleep schedule and stick to it

The recommended hours of sleep for an adult is 7-8 hours. So, plan a schedule to go to bed at a fixed time and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Being consistent with this routine will regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. 

Develop a healthy dinner habit

Don't go to bed hungry or with a full stomach. Avoid eating a heavy, large meal just before bed. Allow at least 2-3 hours between dinner and sleep time. Also, avoid nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime, as they can keep you up at night. 

Include physical activities in your daily routine

Spend outdoor time and include physical activities in your daily routine. Regular physical exercise improves blood circulation, which helps you sleep better. However, avoid doing too much exercise right before bedtime, as it can hamper your sleep.

How organizations can build sleep-friendly culture

While HR leaders are already working towards building an employee-centric work culture, the discussion around the importance of sleep often needs to be included. While sleep is a personal matter to a large extent, in a connected world where employees are often expected to work beyond their timezone to collaborate with their counterparts in some other part of the world, sleep needs to be considered and brought into discussion. 

Encouraging healthy sleep habits for employees

Workplaces that promote flexibility and better work-life balance are better poised to encourage healthy sleeping habits. While many organizations allow napping time for their employees, it might not be a feasible solution for all. However, organizations can take an alternate approach to promoting better sleep among their employees. 

Educating employees about the importance of sleep and spreading awareness is a great way to start. Conducting webinars, bringing in sleep experts for consultations, and offering various resources can be helpful. 

Exposing employees to more natural light at the workplace can also improve their circadian rhythm and sleep routine. 

Set at least one day a week when employees don't need to attend late-night calls or respond to emails after work hours.

Employers can also consider gifting the SNOO employee benefits program to new parents. This unique program offers new parents a gift of an extra 1-2 hours of sleep per night. As part of this program, all new parents receive six months of an SNOO rental. 

Created by Dr. Harvey Karp, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is the first responsive bassinet that boosts sleep for babies and parents! It adds 1+ hours a night by automatically responding with increasing levels of white noise plus a motion to soothe fussing quickly.

As Lewis Krell, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Happiest Baby (makers of SNOO), mentions, “The SNOO Employee Benefits Program has now expanded to over 120 leading corporations as employers recognize that investing in the mental and physical health and well-being of their employees is good for business.

Top employers also realize that sleep is a fundamental pillar of employee health, and sleep equity is a real problem. New parent employees are suffering, which leads to errors and accidents, poorer health outcomes, and a much higher likelihood of quitting their jobs. By offering SNOO, corporations can give the gift of an extra 1-2 hours of sleep per night and offer their employees the peace of mind knowing their new babies are sleeping in the only FDa-authorized device for infant safety.”

Considering building a holistic wellness program for your employees? Build it with Manah Wellness. 

FAQs

How does lack of sleep impact mental health beyond workplace productivity?

Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risks of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, affecting overall emotional wellbeing and personal relationships.

Can specific technological tools or apps help improve sleep quality?

Many sleep-tracking apps and smart devices can monitor sleep patterns, provide sleep hygiene recommendations, and help individuals optimize their rest.