Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for proper brain function and overall wellbeing. Sleep depriviation due to hanging out staying up too late, insomnia, or loss of sleep due to health conditions or sleep disorders can cause “irritability, moodiness, …. Impaired memory, inability to be novel or multitask”, a person may even “fall into micro sleeps (5-10 seconds) that cause lapses in attention, or a person may nod off while doing activities like driving or reading, and then finally experience hypnagogic hallucinations[1]”. ("American psychological association," n.d.)
Suggested ways to help get a good nights sleep include:
· Keep a regular sleep/wake schedule
· Don’t drink or eat caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize daytime use
· Don’t smoke, especially near bedtime or if you awake in the night
· Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before sleep
· Get regular exercise
· Minimize noise, light and excessive hot and cold temperatures where you sleep
· Develop a regular bed time and go to bed at the same time each night
· Try and wake up without an alarm clock
· Attempt to go to bed earlier every night for certain period; this will ensure that you’re getting enough sleep (American psychological association,” n.d.).
Sometimes it’s not always possible to get a good night’s sleep. So when necessary, take a Power Nap. A 15-20 minute nap can reduce stress, refresh the brain, increase productivity and energy. It may be necessary to think outside of the box to find a place to take a nap. Do you public transportation like a bus or train long distances for work? A nap during transit may be a great way to spend the time. At work, there may be a lounge area to the restrooms or a break room, if you don’t have your own office. An airport lounge or waiting room, even your car (just don’t do so while driving) may also serve as brief resting spots to recharge your batteries and help you have a better day.
References:
American psychological association. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why.aspx
Health-cares.net. (2005, July 18). Retrieved from http://neurology.health-cares.net/hypnagogic-hallucination.php
[1] Hypnagogic hallucination is episodes of seeing and hearing things as one is falling asleep. These dreams can be frightening and can often cause a sudden jerk and arousal just before sleep onset. ("Health-cares.net," 2005)
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