How to Overcome Insomnia
Are you working in a company or law firm where people come to work sleep deprived? Does your company or law firm provide health promotion programs that encourage employees to follow proper sleep hygiene?
One of the most powerful questions one can ask is “Am I getting enough sleep so that I am ready to go to work feeling refreshed and relaxed?” Emotionally intelligent people get adequate sleep so they are able to be their best at work.
When The Family Guy or Homer Simpson snore loudly and have trouble sleeping at night, it's usually pretty amusing. The antics resulting from their inability to stay awake are a ready source of humor. However, they illustrate an important problem that millions of Americans share: Sleep deprivation - - which is no laughing matter.
Experts in sleep behavior and sleep disorders have found that a majority of us sleep at least an hour to ninety minutes less each night than we should. These experts also say that mild sleep deprivation is not terribly worrisome, although they believe that we would be more productive, good humored and satisfied with life if we were able to get a full compliment of sleep each night. The "right" amount of sleep depends on the individual. Some people can get by on three or four hours per night while others need eight or nine. The important criteria is whether you wake up the next morning feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to begin the day.
We cheat on our sleep and do not realize we are doing it. We think we can get by on six or seven hours of sleep, but we may need more to feel really vigorous. Scientists say there is virtually an epidemic of sleeplessness in our nation. Perhaps the most relentless robber of sleep is the busy schedule. When pressures from work, family and friends mount, many consider sleep to be the most expendable item on the agenda. As a result, many Americans are suffering from chronic fatigue brought on by too much anxiety, stress and worry that causes fragmented, restless sleep at night.
For some individuals, sleep deprivation may be only a minor irritant, but for others, sleep problems seriously disrupt their life. Such a disruption impairs their ability to concentrate and wreaks havoc on relationships and careers. In addition, inadequate sleep is a major cause of workplace accidents and lowered productivity, costing American business billions of dollars each year and workers extreme distress and, sometimes loss of life.
Researchers trace the beginning of the sleep-deficit crisis to the invention of the light bulb a century ago. During the 18th and19th centuries, sleep scientists have determined that the average person slept about 9.5 hours per night. In modern life however, we are driven by ambitious values. You are perceived as lacking motivation and ambition if you feel a need for eight hours of sleep.
Insomnia is the inability to achieve adequate or restful sleep. It is perhaps the second most prevalent health complaint after pain. It is twice as frequent in women as men and its incidence increases with age.
Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become an inspiring leader who is well rested and full of energy. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged and aligned with the vision and mission of your company or law firm.
I am currently accepting new executive coaching and career coaching clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.
Comments