So why am I writing about sleep? It's not a normal subject that entrepreneurs discuss. But it's totally relevant.
Why?
Because you're an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur means needing to be productive. Being productive means that you need to make sure you're getting enough sleep.
If you're reading this, you're probably not getting enough sleep. You're spending your time trying to get things done. You don't have time to doze off, right?
You're not alone. 40% of Americans report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep each night.
Here's the thing: if you're not getting the right amount of sleep, you're leaving money on the table. That's a pretty bold claim, isn't it? But it makes sense if you think about it.
Keep reading...
Sleep Is A Huge Issue
Lack of sleep can have some pretty negative consequences. As an entrepreneur, you need to make sure you are on point.
Don't believe me? Well I'm not the only one who think so. Some of the biggest names in entrepreneurship are talking about the importance of sleep. These include Arianna Huffington, Michael Hyatt, and Tom Rath.
As a matter of fact, Arianna Huffington has even launched her own "Sleep Tour." She is touring various college campuses across the country educating students about the importance of sleep.
Here's the bottom line: if you want to be as productive as possible, you need to wake up to the importance of getting enough sleep. When you read through this article you will gain three tips that will help you sleep better and become more effective. Implementing these tips will help you perform at a much higher level.
Create An Effective Sleep Routine
Having better sleep means being more intentional about what you're doing right before you go to sleep. You need to establish a viable sleep routine.
Michael Hyatt is a big proponent of adopting better sleeping habits. In this article, he outlines some very helpful tips that will help you create your own sleep routine. You need to develop a nighttime ritual that you follow every night before you go to sleep.
Here are some of the tips Hyatt gives:
- Essential Oils - Yes it might sound cheesy, but it works! Using the right essential oils can put you in a more relaxed state.
- Eliminate negative input - You already know this, but stress makes it harder to sleep. Limit your exposure to anything that could stress you out before going to sleep.
- Consistency - Go to bed at the same time each night.
Maintaining a sleep ritual will help you establish a pattern that is conducive to better sleep.
Get More Exercise
Establishing a consistent exercise habit is another great way to ensure that you sleep better. A study has shown that getting at least 150 minutes of sleep each week is the best way to improve your sleep.
Having a set exercise routine has many health benefits, but when it comes to sleep, it has enormous benefits. Other studies have found that regular exercise can create longer periods of slow wave sleep, which is the most restful type of sleep.
What About Your Bed?
How can you talk about better sleep without talking about your bed? Having the right bed is incredibly important to improving your sleep.
Of course, different beds work best for different people, but there are a few ways to ensure that your bed is providing the most comfortable sleep possible. When you have the right bed, you will have a much more restful sleep, which means you will feel more refreshed when you wake up.
There are two main factors that you should consider when choosing a bed. These factors are the frame, and the mattress.
When choosing the right frame, you need to figure out whether or not to choose an adjustable bed frame, or a fixed bed frame. If you have medical issues such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, it may be a good idea to use an adjustable bed frame. If you don't deal with these types of issues, a fixed bed frame may work for you.
Choosing the right mattress is also important. You need to find the right balance between soft and hard mattresses. If your mattress is too hard, it can cause stiffness and soreness. If it's too soft, your body won't be properly supported, which can also lead to aches.
Conclusion
As you undoubtedly know, a good night's sleep is essential to anyone who wants to be more productive. This is especially true for entrepreneurs. When you're building a business, you become busier. You have more challenges to face. There are tons of stressors.
Better sleep will make it easier for you to deal with the challenges involved in entrepreneurship. Do yourself a favor. Get better sleep. You'll be glad you did.