Leadership Thought #200 – Pay Attention To What’s Hindering Your Sleep
I often find myself in conversations where the topic of sleep deprivation eventually comes up. I know many people who sleep intermittently and get significantly less than the recommended 8 hours of rest. I know from my own experience that any prolonged period of sleep deprivation manifests itself in unclear thinking, forgetfulness, and physical issues. The body needs to rest and be repaired. The brain needs downtime. If you are not sleeping well, I guarantee that you are performing at less-than-optimal levels. Caffeine and energy drinks may be used as artificial stimulants during the day, but they are no substitute for being well-rested and clear-headed.
There are many reasons why people have sleep issues, including health issues, bad eating and drinking habits, medication side effects, not enough physical exercise during the day, lack of a proper sleep routine, too much stimulation before bed, noise and light distractions, and a bad bedroom set-up. Thankfully, many of these issues can be addressed with focused effort.
A much more challenging problem is what you are probably thinking (or worrying about). It has been a rough few years for many people, both personally and professionally. Job worries, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and a general concern over national and world events abound. Even if your own financial situation is stable, it’s likely that someone close to you is experiencing hardship. It is certainly not an easy time to be middle– or working-class in America.
As the saying goes, “It’s not about what happens to you; it’s what you do about it that counts.” We will all encounter periods of adversity in our lives. How we choose to let these moments define us is a choice. Fretting and worrying about something but not taking affirmative action is a choice. Avoidance or procrastination never makes things better. It will also keep you up at night. All problems have solutions. These solutions may not always be ideal or easy to accept, but they exist nonetheless.
The first step is to take full responsibility, including resolving the issue. You may need help, and that’s okay. Help can come in the form of a therapist who is skilled at guiding you through your response to what’s going on and developing effective coping mechanisms. It can also be your priest, pastor, or rabbi who offers spiritual guidance. You may also need to consult experts in specific areas, such as law and finance, to obtain their professional opinions. Fortunately, there are numerous nonprofit organizations available to assist those in need. All you need to do is put aside your pride and seek and accept help.
The next step is to take concrete actions every day to improve the situation. It can be as simple as creating a household budget and sticking to it or making incremental changes to your diet. If radical change is needed, then you need to “bite the bullet” and make the decision to change. For example, you may need to make significant changes to your lifestyle, including moving and cutting back expenses, or completely overhaul your approach to food and exercise. Seek accountability and support from those closest to you when necessary. You already know the results of the status quo.
Finally, journal and capture your feelings and chart your progress as you work through the issue. Your brain needs an outlet. I keep my journal by my bed so there is easy access when I can’t sleep. You’ll be surprised by how adequate reflection and writing about something makes it easier to deal with. It is also closely correlated with seeing things through to resolution if you develop the habit of doing it on a regular basis. An added benefit is that when you look back and review past situations in your journal, you’ll find that you have enormous capacity for personal change and deep pools of emotional and physical resolve when needed. You’ll also realize how fortunate you are to have people who genuinely care about you.
I’ve always believed that an inability to sleep well is your body trying to tell you something. It is clearly a warning sign. If you go on for too long without listening, there will be consequences. Please pay attention to what’s keeping you up at night, and then do something about it. Don’t assume the role of victim and become hapless in the face of adversity. Take control of your life and your need for rest. Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement if you are going to live a fulfilled, healthy, and productive life.
Related articles
- The Better Sleep Council Launches Campaign to Combat Sleep Deprivation, Termed Zombieitis! (prweb.com)
- Operation Sleep More (ingredientswechoose.wordpress.com)
- 6 Ways Lack of Sleep is Costing You a Fortune (money.usnews.com)
- Lack of Sleep Impacts on Workplace Efficiency (time4sleep.co.uk)
- Keep a Sleep Journal (simplechallenges.com)
- Australia a sleep-deprived nation (theage.com.au)
- 32 Solutions for When You Can’t Sleep (greatist.com)
- How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect You? (mattress-find.com)
