Sleep - for some people - this is a regular thing that is fairly uninterrupted and is anywhere from a quality 6 to 9 hours. For others - it can be elusive - with a few hours here, there and exhaustion and perhaps a good night's sleep on the weekend.
According to Arianna Huffington sleep deprivation hurts you - physically, emotionally and even financially. In her book called The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time, she describes the impact of sleep deprivation, some of the things that don't help you (like electronic devices) and some of the things that can help you. It also includes research - like the finding in 2014 that over 40% of the American workforce hadn't take a single vacation day that year. Or that in a 2010 US Government report, 30% of all employees get less than six hours of sleep per night and nearly 70% describe their sleep as "insufficient."
Recently, I had the opportunity to stay at a Marriott (where I did sleep well). On my bed was a little card that shared Arianna Huffington's 8 Tips for a Better Sleep. So - in trying to help you and others get a little more sleep - here are her tips.
- Set a cool room temperature.
- No electronic devices starting 30 minutes before bedtime.
- No caffeine after 2 p.m.
- Pajamas, nightdresses and even special t-shirts send a sleep-friendly message to your body. If you were it to the gym, don't wear it to bed.
- Do some light stretching, deep breathing, yoga or mediation to help your body and mind transition to sleep. (Note: I do 10 minutes of guided meditation using the Calm app - it has made a huge difference in my sleep!)
- When reading a book, make it a physical book or an e-reader that does not emit blue light.
- Ease yourself into sleep mode by drinking some caffeine-free tea.
- Before you turn off the lights, write a list of what you are grateful for.
Wishing you better sleep and sweet dreams!