6 reasons why sleep is the key to a healthy work-life balance

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With the busy, fast-paced lives we lead today, many of us take on too much – and forget to find time to relax and unwind.

But over time, stress, fatigue and overwork can lead to physical and mental health issues and even burnout – a state of complete emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. The first step to finding your balance? A great night’s sleep. Here’s why.

You make better decisions when you’re well-rested

Just one night of sleep loss reduces your ability to think flexibly, deal with changes of plan and make effective decisions – essential to success at work and happiness at home. Turning back the sheets a little earlier will feed your creativity and mental agility and help you to make better decisions.

Poor sleep makes you less productive

Sleep deprivation impairs your brain’s executive function, which makes it harder to focus, make sense of new information and complete tasks – bad news for your to-do list. Leave the office on time and get your eight hours in – you’ll be more productive the next day.

Sleep helps you break the stress cycle

Losing sleep makes you more stressed, angry, sad and mentally exhausted, and increases your risk of depression and anxiety. Not what you need when you’re working hard, playing hard and trying to power through your life admin. And when you’re stressed, you’re more likely to have trouble sleeping. Try a soothing bedtime ritual – turn your phone off, run a bubble bath and flip open your favourite magazine.

A healthy heart = a healthy life

If you’re in good physical health, you’re in a better position to make the most of a healthy work-life balance. But women who have trouble falling asleep, struggle to stay asleep or get less restorative sleep are at increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. Upgrading your bedding could make a real difference to sleep quality: the NASA-certified TEMPUR® Material used in TEMPUR® mattresses adapts to the weight and warmth of your body, providing unparalleled comfort and support.

Find your rhythm

Maintaining a healthy sleep-wake schedule is almost as important as getting the hours in. Working with your body’s natural circadian rhythms is one of the keys to good quality, restorative sleep, so try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule will help you to structure your day, too, making it easier to find balance.

Communication, communication, communication

A bad night’s sleep can make us angry, impatient and emotionally reactive, and even changes the way we use and understand words. Cue crossed wires and cross words with colleagues, family members and friends. If it’s your partner keeping you up at night, opt for a motion absorbing mattress – TEMPUR® Material has less than 3 per cent rebound. Sweet dreams.