When it comes to health and wellness, nutrition and exercise seem to get all the attention. But, as we’re trying our best to eat more fruits and veggies and move more, we should also be placing better sleep at the top of our health priority list. According to the Institute of Medicine, people running on poor sleep are more likely to suffer from hypertension, diabetes, depression, and obesity. All of these conditions prove costly to the workplace.
Healthy habits take a conscious effort to establish, and sleeping better is no exception. To help you and your employees develop good sleep habits and get more quality zzz’s, try these tips from the National Sleep Foundation:
- Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning (even on the weekends).
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine such as taking a bath or reading a book.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment free of television, laptops, or cell phones. These items keep our brains buzzing instead of relaxed and ready for sleep.
- Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and free of distracting noise. For some added assistance, consider using a sleep mask for darkness, or even a fan for white noise.
If sleep problems persist, consider talking to your doctor to see if there could be an underlying problem. After all, it’s estimated that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping; let’s make the most of this time so we can have the energy and vigor needed to take on the other two-thirds.
