Adequate Sleep is Not a Luxury For High Performers

Adequate sleep is not just a luxury for high performers, it is a necessity. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 adults are falling short in this area, which can have significant implications.

I had a conversation about sleep with my mastermind yesterday, which was a great reminder of the importance of valuing and protecting our sleep in order to be our best for our marriage, children, careers, longevity, and for others. 

Adequate sleep is pivotal for sustaining high performance across all facets of life, a fact underscored by compelling statistics and expert recommendations. 

Typically, 7-9 hours of quality, restorative sleep nightly is advised for adults, a benchmark that a surprising number of individuals fail to meet.

If you are falling short in this area, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults does not get enough sleep, a shortfall with significant repercussions for cognitive, emotional, and physical health. 

Cognitively, the benefits of sufficient sleep are profound. Research indicates that even a single night of inadequate sleep can impair cognitive functions akin to being legally drunk. 

People who consistently sleep less than 7 hours per night exhibit a decline in memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. 

Conversely, adequate sleep has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills and creativity by up to 40%, according to some studies.

Emotionally, sleep is just as crucial. The American Psychological Association highlights that sleep deprivation is linked with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Ensuring a good night's sleep can dramatically improve mood and emotional stability, which are essential for resilience and high performance in stressful situations.

Physically, the statistics are equally compelling. The National Sleep Foundation notes that people who get adequate sleep have a 29% lower risk of becoming obese. Furthermore, good sleep practices are associated with a stronger immune response, with studies showing that individuals who sleep less than 7 hours are about three times more likely to develop a cold than those who sleep 8 hours or more.

Understanding these statistics, it becomes clear that adequate sleep is not just a luxury but a necessity for anyone aspiring to live a high-performing, high impact life. It fortifies cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health, laying the groundwork for achieving and sustaining peak performance in all areas of our life, both personally and professionally.

Stay tuned for next week’s Wisdom Wednesday as I will share some helpful and practical tips to improve the quality of your sleep so you can watch your performance soar.

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With Much Appreciation, Allan