For most of us, it seems fairly obvious that sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but did you know the amount of sleep you’re getting could make you a more productive worker? In fact, a recent study in Finland shows the most reliable workers are those who get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Researchers found that the use of sick days was associated with the worker’s sleep habits. Not surprisingly, they found that people who did not get enough sleep because of insomnia or other sleep problems were more likely to miss work. It’s also important to note that the study found that getting a lot of extra sleep was also associated with missed work.
The workers who were most likely to take extra sick days were those who slept 5 hours or less or 10 hours or more. These sleepers missed about 5 to 9 more days of work than optimal sleepers, those who managed 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Okay, so maybe you aren’t interested in how sleep can make you a better worker, but here are three things you might not know:
Sleep aids in learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation.
Sleep loss can lead to weight gain: Chronic sleep deprivation can cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.
Getting more sleep can fight disease: Getting enough sleep can bolster the immune system and aid in the activity of the body’s killer cells. There is even evidence that it may also help fight cancer.
Be sure you are getting enough sleep and if you ever find yourself sick or injured, come by your local Neighbors Emergency Center. We provide 24 hour emergency care in Houston and Austin. Our board certified physicians will have you back on your feet in no time.