We all want to do what we can to get ahead in this world, and we live in a country where it is possible to achieve our hopes and dreams with hard work and dedication. While most of us are aware that proper exercise and nutrition are key in the development and maintenance of our bodies, we all too often overlook a component that, when neglected, can lead to a number of problematic issues including:
- Heart disease
- Elevated blood pressure
- Stroke
We often don’t attribute sleep deprivation with issues this serious, but, according to Harvard University, these are just a few of the adverse effects that result and can put a serious damper on your quest for success.
How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
We live in a busy world, and you likely have a laundry list of things you must get done on any given day. However, the National Sleep Foundation reports that the average adult needs to make time to get in eight hours of restful sleep per day. While you may be tempted to stay up late to study or put the finishing touches on that presentation, studies show that allowing your brain the opportunity to rejuvenate can provide you with an increased capability of facing the next day with pizazz.
While it may seem difficult at first to ensure you get the full eight hours of sleep per night, there are a few helpful tips you can employ to increase your success. Just a few of these include:
- Consider developing a sleep schedule. Make sure you stick to it every day, and don’t allow exceptions on the weekends and holidays as this disrupts your sleep cycle.
- If you’ve owned your current mattress for more than seven years, it’s time for an upgrade. However, if you can’t afford it right now, you can get a topper for added comfort until you have the money.
- Make sure your eating schedule allows for you to feel full at bedtime, but not stuffed.
Create a bedtime ritual that will trigger sleep responses in your brain such as turning off all electronics and reading for an hour before you lay down.
The Many Ways Sleep Deprivation Hinders Success
Most of us know it can be difficult to pay attention whether at school or work when our eyes are heavy from a late night. Aside from this discomfort, there are a number of other ways in which sleep deprivation impacts our ability to fulfill our daily responsibilities. For starters, attention span decreases, and this make it difficult to listen to detailed instructions and react to questions.
In an innovative world, we are always waiting on the next great invention that will help us save time and money. However, lack of proper sleep is known to decrease creativity and abstract thinking according to a 1998 study. This means that you aren’t able to offer the world 100 percent of your valuable qualities. Other problems that are likely to be faced when you’re experiencing a sleep deficit include:
- Dulled memory
- Decreased reaction time
- Mood swings
Knowledge is Key
All too many are unaware of the many adverse side effects of lack of sleep. However, as you can see, they are numerous and can create a significant hindrance between you and the success you are capable of. While your diet and exercise are important to continue to maintain, don’t fall into the statistic of the other approximately 33 percent of adults who lack sufficient sleep. With this missing element in place, you may surprise yourself at what you can get accomplished.
