15.03.2019, 09:39
The Season of All Natures
On World Sleep Day 2019, Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA) and the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa) summarise their research on the impact of sleep on cognitive performance.
Today, 15th March 2019, marks World Sleep Day, an annual celebration of sleep organised by the World Sleep Society. Its aim is to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
Research we have conducted in partnership with the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa), has identified the factors that most impact cognitive performance. Sleep is high on the list.
Sleep helps the brain work properly. When you are asleep your body is busy repairing muscles, consolidating memories, releasing hormones and regulating growth and appetite. If sleep is cut short, the brain and body does not have time to replenish and we wake up less prepared to concentrate, make decisions, or engage fully with the world.
Cognitive performance research studies conclude that sleep deprivation has a negative impact upon almost all brain functions such as decision making, solving problems, remembering things, controlling emotions / behaviour and coping with change. Reaction times may be slower, more mistakes may be made, and tasks often take longer. All of these will impact mental performance and employee relationships at work.
AWA is a science-based workplace transition practice that’s interested in human performance – here are its 7 tips for a better night’s sleep:
1) Develop a regular sleeping schedule – go to bed and get up at the same time. This can help establish a routine, reinforcing the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
2) Create a bedtime ritual – experts believe that doing the same things each night tells your body that it’s time to rest. Warm baths, reading or listening to relaxing music eases the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness.
3) Avoid heavy meals, stimulating activities, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bedtime.
4) Exercise can help prompt you into a restful night’s sleep, but only if you do it during the day (not in the late evening).
5) Minimise light and noise when trying to sleep – turn off electronic devices like tablets and phones as changes in light can kid your body that it’s time to wake up.
6) Maintain a comfortable bedroom temperature so your body doesn’t overheat and dehydrate while you are asleep.
7) Manage stress – having too many things on your mind can disrupt sleep. There are many ways to address stress, depending on the source. For example, writing down the things that are on your mind may help “park” them for tomorrow.
