Would it surprise you to know that your sleep health is related to your overall daily productivity?
That’s right. Being productive each day begins with a good night’s sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation provides these recommended guidelines for sleep:
| Age | Recommended hours of sleep |
| 6-13 | 9-11 hours |
| 14-17 | 8-10 hours |
| 18-25 | 7-9 hours |
| 26-64 | 7-9 hours |
If you are consistently missing the mark on your required sleep it can negatively impact your energy level, memory retention, mood, muscle growth and tissue repair.
Much like when we were children, a regular routine before bedtime is a signal to your brain that sleep is approaching. Make sleep a priority by creating your own bedtime routine and also consider what else you are doing throughout the day that may affect your sleep. Here’s what works for me:
- Reduce/eliminate caffeine intake after 12 noon.
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid alcohol and large meals before bedtime
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends
- Incorporate quiet time before getting into bed (dim lighting, read a book, a cup of warm cocoa, meditate, etc.)
- Set room temperature to your comfort
- Most importantly, turn off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. In order to facilitate a deep sleep, keep your electronic devices away from your bedside table.
Sleep well friends.
Sandra Lane
Getting you on the Road to Productivity
Organization Lane, LLC