How Much Sleep Do We Really Need to Work Productively?:
So here we are talking about sleep again. I have written several blogs that are research based determining how sleep effects us, and how much we really need.
I don’t believe there’s a perfect amount of sleep for everyone…it’s like saying everyone should be on the same diet, or that everyone should fit into a size 8 pants (I wish!). But I do believe that too little sleep is as much a problem as too much. It seems everything is about balance. A recent study from Jennifer Tudor, PhD did a study looking at the relationship between sleep and memory which was published in the Society of Neuroscience (full study is in this article).
This research found that those who get only 4 hours or very little sleep may be just as attentive and competent in their work as the one who is not sleep deprived. The difference is that the one that is sleep deprived has a more difficult time Re-focusing when losing focus (which we all do from time to time in any given day) than the person that got adequate sleep. The well rested person when losing his attention has the mechanisms to compensate and regain focus and attention.
Another interesting point in this article: Women need more sleep than men!! Women’s brains are wired differently and are more complex. What can I say…but yes-ss!
Ways is which to help your sleep and productivity include:
1. Take a “Power Nap” daily- that is 20 minutes, no more or less
2. Develop a Sleep Ritual- reading, walking are some examples
3. Make Sure You are Physically and Mentally Tired- Pay attention to when that occurs in the evening. Many people I know say they feel really tired around 10 PM but ignore that feeling because they have just “a few more things to get done”. Try to sleep when your body is telling you it’s ready
Read this article for more details…