A Habit For More Work in Less Time 🌱

[Sufficient Sleep]

sleep

noun

Definition: A condition of the body in which the muscles are relaxed, the activity of the brain is altered, and the consciousness of surroundings practically suspend.

Insufficient sleep can lead to a range of negative effects, such as impaired cognitive function, decreased productivity, and heightened stress levels.

Even when I sleep for 10 hours, if it isn’t restful, I won’t feel energized and ready for the day.

Prioritizing both the quantity and quality of sleep is vital for setting yourself up for peak performance.

SCIENCE:

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining your physical and mental health.

During sleep, your brain processes and consolidates memories and repairs cellular damage. It also regulates hormone production, influencing your mood, appetite, and stress responses throughout the day.

Studies have shown that getting enough sleep is associated with better cognitive performance, enhanced decision-making abilities, improved stress management, and increased productivity.

On the other hand, lack of sleep has been linked to decreased attention and reduced creativity.

IMPACT:

While it may seem tempting to sacrifice sleep for more work hours, research has proven that if you’re well-rested, you’ll be more productive and accomplish more in less time.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Why habits? Your time is valuable and limited; you don’t need more complex systems. My goal is to provide you with simple, effective tools to support your physical and mental well-being and make you more efficient and conserve mental energy. (read more)

Create a bedtime routine and stick to it.

Set a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime, as blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Step 1: Set a bedtime that allows for a sufficient amount of sleep

(CDC recommends 7-9)

Step 2: Create a night routine that sends signals to your body that it is time to sleep

Step 3: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool

(Thermoregulation causes your body to lower its core temperature to sleep)

TOOLKIT:

In every edition of Creatures of Habit, I feature a product to help you implement this week’s habit.

Oura Ring - from $299

I’ve had my Oura ring for a year now, and I love it.

Oura presents insights simply, giving you scores you can compare day-to-day.

It has helped me establish a consistent sleep schedule, improving my sleep and allowing me to naturally wake up without an alarm.

Me and my Oura ring

CHALLENGE:

This week, challenge yourself to follow the same sleep schedule (bed-time, wake-up, or both) every day.

“Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.”

- Mesut Barazany

Until next week!

- Jenna Gestetner :)

P.S. Welcome to everyone who joined us since last week. Subscribe if you haven’t already, and say hi on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).