Boost your Career Prospects with Sounder Sleep

Considering that we live in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it is no wonder that between 50 and 70 million American adults are living with a sleeping disorder. Between long hours at the office and an equally-demanding social life, we often find ourselves unable to get the recommended amount of sleep every night. Not only does this lack of shut-eye have a damaging effect on our health, but it also hinders our career prospects by affecting our mood and overall productivity. In fact, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, the adverse effects of sleep deprivation are so severe that people who are under the influence of alcohol typically outperform those who are tired. By simply changing your sleeping habits, you can enhance your career prospects in numerous ways, while also giving your overall well-being a much-needed boost.

Sound sleep boosts confidence

When you don’t sleep enough, you naturally become increasingly sensitive, and often feel disconnected from yourself, your career goals, and your abilities. Confidence is imperative if you want to advance in your career, and can be boosted substantially by simply getting enough sleep. When you sleep the recommended 7 to 9 hours a night, you’re also less likely to be faced with weight gain, a lack of stamina, or unsightly skin conditions– all of which can give your confidence a severe knock. When you are secure in the way you look, you will automatically be more confident in your abilities as well. Where possible, try to cut down on your caffeine consumption, as it not only exacerbates anxiety, but can trigger sleep disturbances as well. Instead of drinking copious amounts of coffee a day, try to up your water intake or indulge in warm drinks with lower caffeine content.

Creativity thrives on sleep

When you sleep, and especially during lucid dreaming, you are presented with a space to experiment, learn and be creative in. Countless people report that they are most creative shortly after waking up. According to researchers, the reason for this is the lengthy REM sleep stage that typically occurs just before waking in the morning. According to a study conducted at the University of California, REM sleep has a direct influence on creativity. In order to get the biggest career-benefiting creative boost from your sleep, you need to extend your REM cycle as much as possible. You can do this by exercising on a daily basis, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and seeking healthy and creative outlets for your frustrations.

The more you sleep the healthier you will be

Your health can have a direct effect on the chance of future success in your profession. If you experience ill health, your productivity can be affected, and absenteeism can become problematic. Not sleeping enough can trigger a number of health concerns, ranging from joint pain and skin rashes to cardiac disease, diabetes and hypertension. The environment you sleep in can have a direct influence on the quality of rest you get. Ensure that your room is both dark and cool enough to promote sleep, and block out any noise as much as possible. Dark-colored curtains, a fan and a white noise machine can all be considered very worthy investments, not only in your well-being but in your career as well.

In summary, sleep, or lack thereof, can have a huge impact on your career prospects. By making an effort to get as much sound sleep as possible, you will not only improve your health, but also give yourself the best possible chance at career success.