As a medical professional, you certainly appreciate sufficient sleep before a demanding shift. However, dragging feet are not the only casualties of inadequate rest. Lack of sleep compromises your output at work resulting in reduced efficiency and reduced productivity. There are ways to get enough sleep and improve your work performance. You might even impress your boss and get a promotion with your new energy level.
Better Sleep Equals Better Productivity
Granted that poor sleep worsens productivity, if you get enough of it though, you can expect the following benefits:
- Faster reaction times
- Better judgment and decision-making skills
- Improved memory
- More creativity
- Problem-solving ability improves
- Fewer errors and more accuracy
- Lowered risk of burnout
Please remember that getting enough sleep is good, but not enough. If you want the full benefits of sleep, it must be a deep sleep.
Determine Your Best Sleep Schedule
So how do you get a deep sleep that enhances productivity? It will all depend on your chronotype. Your chronotype controls your internal body clock, which makes you either a morning person or a night owl. Instead of struggling to force your chronotype to fit a particular schedule, let it determine the most productive times of the day for you. A regular sleep schedule makes it easier to fall asleep.
Create a Sleeping Environment in Your Bedroom
Please understand that a bed is for sleeping. It is not a place for work, hobbies, and binge-watching television. The idea is for your mind to associate your bed with rest instead of stressors from work or TV. Keep your bedroom a cool temperature, say in the mid-60s, and consider using blackout curtains or a sleep mask. Equip your bed with a high-quality mattress and comfortable bedding.
Turn the Phone Off
Any electronic device will interfere with sleep, but smartphones are the biggest culprit. These phones produce a wavelength of light that your brain perceives to be sunlight. The more you stare at this light, your brain becomes convinced that it is daytime, and you should be alert and awake. Holding phones close to our faces and enjoying social media can rob you of sleep.
Exercise
Exercise is excellent for sleep, depending on when you do it. Try to avoid exercising at night as this will activate your nervous system making getting sleep a challenge. Instead, try the morning or early part of the day, which will tire you out and make rest come easy.
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for all healthcare professionals. Having a job that meets your lifestyle and goals is vital too. Check out the healthcare opportunities available at Power Personnel. Our team of professional recruiters can help you find a job that will accelerate your healthcare career.
