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When we think of productivity and better health at work, we inadvertently begin with efficient time management, exercise routines and diets in mind. However, an important part of the health and fitness puzzle is often left forgotten - a healthy sleep schedule.
To see optimal health benefits, doctors and sleep experts recommend getting 7 hours or more of sleep per night for the average adult. However, multiple studies show that 35% of adults do not get adequate sleep on a regular basis and nearly 70% of adults report feeling sleep deprived more often than not.
This is a worrying trend, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, because a lack of sleep can decrease the body's natural immunity against diseases. Moreover, an irregular sleep schedule can also lead to an increase in chronic ailments, due to reduced immunity. In a recent poll on the causes for low immunity in the body, 23% of the participants voted that having an irregular sleep schedule is a probable cause.
Mental and physical fatigue often manifests itself in our behaviour. When human beings do not get adequate sleep, it can lead to higher levels of irritability due to rising cortisol levels. Moodiness, crankiness and mood swings may also be a result of sleep deprivation.
Harvard University's research on the sleep schedules of 2000 adults reported that the participants with irregular sleep schedules doubled their risk of heart diseases within a span of 5 years.
An irregular sleep schedule also raises the risk of the following health issues:
Clearly, the need for a healthy amount of sleep and a regular sleep routine is of paramount importance in keeping fit and healthy. Now, let's discuss how we can go about implementing this knowledge into our daily lives.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, every one of us now knows the importance of having higher immunity and a healthy lifestyle. Hence, employers can also implement the following strategies to foster better sleep hygiene for their team members.
Sleep is an important aspect of life that most people tend to overlook. However, as we have seen here, not only is sleep important for feeling rested, alert and productive, but it is also an important catalyst for general well-being. Heart health, cognition and a host of other aspects of our body and mind are dependent on adequate sleep for optimal function. Additionally, having access to a corporate wellness program that accounts for the changing needs of the users can also help. So why not take what we have discussed here and start to implement it in our everyday lives?