By now everyone has heard and read about the importance of a good night’s sleep. Be that 7, 8 or 9 hours (check with an expert on this).

We all know that going to work with a lack of sleep is detrimental to our wellbeing and also our career. Yet, it is still a common situation many find themselves in.

So what is behind the stress induced nights that are so common?

The age of distraction

Have you scheduled any regular down time? If not, why? This is time for you, without any distraction. And that includes your phone and your computer. It is a common belief that watching videos or reels on your phone will help you relax. It may take your mind off of other important things but it will result in a nonstop stimulation of your brain. And that can disrupt your sleeping pattern.

Ever tried to got to bed and leave your phone outside your bedroom? I know how hard that is. It feels like a risk of missing out on something. Instead, during those nights where I leave it outside I seem to sleep much deeper. In fact, there is research to prove this point.

It is not only the light of the screen but it is also the lack of giving your brain time to allow to process the day. And waking up without checking the news can be a whole new experience. Give it a try and see how it affects your mood.

What’s worse than being in bed and finding unanswered work e-mails? Reading about war and companies laying off people – all before you had a cup of coffee?

This is all part of your own stress management. Things that you can do yourself, without anyone having to support you.

The effect on work performance

Lack of sleep does not only lead to feelings of crankiness and impatience. But it also makes you less focused. How do you process complex topics, lots of information and then make a decision that should benefit your career and your business?

Here’s another very important impact that lack of sleep can have on executives and managers. One that is not widely known and yet will influence your whole career: Sleepless leaders are less inspiring. A study found that lack of sleep in leaders even results in them being perceived as less charismatic!

Here’s the full article on this. So to be a leader that inspires and who in fact has a following, you have to prioritise sleep.

Increased stress with little sleep

A lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of stress, frustration and even anxiety. And it also goes the other way around. Increased stress, frustration and anxiety will lead to a lack of sleep. We find ourselves in a downward spiral.

To get to the bottom of things, you have to look at your life and work holistically. It is not enough to blame the high demands of your work for a lack of sleep. While that aspect is true, that is a result of a previous action. e.g. What do you prioritise in your life? Have you ever asked yourself this question?

If you prioritise your career, figure out whether that has to do with status, money, the perception of people around you or your own drive? Or is it simply the love for your job?

How would your daily actions change if instead of career you start prioritising your health and wellbeing? Can you keep up in your high-pressure job and stay healthy? What are reasons against it and what makes you believe it is achievable?

A good night’s sleep is not a luxury but a critical factor in our well-being and professional success. But to take action, you first have to acknowledge the effects on bad sleep. And also acknowledge that there is room for improvement in your own life when it comes to sleep.

Admitting that our constant exposure to distractions is bad for our careers as well as life in general, is a first step. It takes discipline to schedule regular down time and to let go of technology for a while.

Improving our lives is a goal that many have. Yet we are often stuck, because we believe we alone know how to help ourselves. We don’t want to get help, as we don’t want to be perceived weak or we don’t see the necessity.

But when it comes to sleep, I believe nothing feels better than waking up after uninterrupted and deep sleep.

Schedule a meeting with me, if you are ready to work on yourself.

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