Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Raise your hand if you ever stayed up all night partying and then went to work the next day. I used to do that when I was in my early 20s. Now I have a bedtime routine that gets me in the bed at a certain time. Thirty years later, I admit that I need my sleep and I am not ashamed to say it.

In 2015, the National Sleep Foundation provided new recommendations for the duration of sleep by age. These recommendations were developed by experts in a broad range of practice and research disciplines.

Lack of sleep negatively affects one’s ability to function. In the case of pulling an all-nighter or waking up through the night, the effects are noticeable. You may have difficulty making decisions. Your mood may vacillate or you may demonstrate short temperedness. You may have difficulty learning and remembering information. You may also be at risk for serious injury.

Ongoing sleep deprivation contributes to chronic health concerns. You may gain a significant amount of weight and have difficulty losing it. You may also be prone to diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Social workers and those of us who work in high stress environments need to make a habit of getting adequate sleep. Errors in judgment or an inability to think clearly could mean the difference in life or death.

For the entire month, HappyHalfHour.Club is sharing tips to help you fall asleep in 30 minutes or less. Join us for the journey. If someone you know is having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep please share this post with them.

For more information on the sleep times and insufficient sleep, read the following articles.

National Sleep Foundation Recommends New Sleep Times
Consequences of Insufficient Sleep

I help social workers and other professionals to “get through the day without losing it.” I would love to hear from you. You may join the conversation by commenting on this post on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine, or connecting with me on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Happyhalfhour.club, created for “hardworking professionals who want to be happy.” We provide stress relieving tips and techniques to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less.