When life gets hectic, sleep is one of the first elements that we decrease in our day. Research shows that we need 7-8 hours of sleep to promote good health, but almost 38% of US workers sleep less than 7 hours a night.
Workers who have a sleeping disorder are more likely to be involved in a workplace safety incident and have decreased productivity. There are numerous factors that contribute to poor sleep habits and many are avoidable.
Stress, depression, health problems, tobacco and alcohol use, lack of exercise, or stimulating activities like watching TV in bed can trigger insomnia or other sleep disorders and impact your health. Meanwhile, getting sufficient sleep can sharpen mental focus and memory, lower stress levels, help lose weight, improve heart health, lower your risk of disease, and decrease the potential for accidents at home, on the road, and at work. Want to improve the quality of your sleep?
Try these tips:
- Don’t eat before bed.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and tobacco.
- Shut off all lights and noise.
- Establish a consistent bedtime.
- Exercise regularly, but not before bed.
- Don’t take naps.
- Keep your bedroom at a comfortable, cool temperature.
- Limit the bedroom to sleeping and read or watch TV elsewhere.