Most students and adults are sleep deprived, causing marked reduction in their productivity, concentration and quality of work, as well as an increase in moodiness, stress, accidents, illness and shortened life span. Recent medical research proves that sleep deprivation literally “makes you stupid, clumsy, stressed out, unhealthy and will shorten your life.”
To be a peak performer you need to be fully alert, in a good mood, and cognitively sharp. You must be able to concentrate, make critical and creative decisions, communicate persuasively, and be productive all day long. None of this is possible without quality sleep. Furthermore, healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity. It is more influential than diet, exercise or heredity-but our modern culture has become a study in sleep deprivation. We must learn to value sleep, yet most of us know very little about the incredibly varied activity that occurs during the course of each night, and how it affects health, happiness and performance.
Tips to getting good sleep:
1. Stick to a sleep schedule. Try to get up at the same time each day. Even on days off.
2. Pay attention to your diet. Don't eat late and limit caffeine intake.
3. Create a bedtime ritual. Personally I like to read in bed for a short time. That usually puts me right to sleep.
4. Stay active throughout the day. Make an effort to do something physical each day.
5. Manage stress levels. Do something to take your mind off the daily grind. I like to sit back and get caught up on my sportscenter to unwind.
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