Sleep time is one of the 7 daily essential mental activities that we need to expose our mind to in order to optimise our brain and perform at our very best.
Sleep is a vital process which is essential for our biological and psychological balance. Sleep plays a critical role in restoring, repairing and rejuvenating our body as well as strengthening our immune system. Good quality sleep allows us to clear the stressors from the day before and has a significant role in emotional regulation, learning consolidation and memory processing.
To functional optimally, 95% of adults need between 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, there are some of us who are not making sleep a priority. Sleep depravation not only impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, judgement and problem solving, but it makes it more difficult to learn efficiently.
Given the major role that sleep plays in regulating major physical and psychological functions, it comes as no surprise that getting less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis, has been shown to lead to depression, lack of sex drive, weight gain, high blood pressure and weakened immune response.
Make no mistake about it: Lack of sleep makes you a less effective leader and an unhealthier human being.
Some of us find it hard to prioritise between work, social and personal commitments, but put it this way: by prioritising sleep, you will be a better leader, a better partner, a better parent and great person to be around. Stay tuned for upcoming tips on how to get restful sleep.