Many business owners wish they had more hours in a day. Sometimes, that means burning the midnight oil in an attempt to get more done.
Even though it’s tempting to cut back on sleep, successful entrepreneurs know that they need do need to take care of their health — and that includes getting good sleep at night.
Why Sleeping Better is Good for Your Business
Sleep is important to your health and well-being, and can even affect the way you function in your business. Lack of sleep makes it harder to cope emotionally. When you have a hard time dealing with stress, it can lead you to make poor decisions with your business.
Additionally, sleeping better can help you achieve healthy brain function to move forward and remain motivated. You’re more likely to be productive when you’ve taken care of your body’s sleep needs.
Don’t shrug off the sleep you need to function at a higher level as a business owner and live healthier as a person. Here are 5 tips for sleeping better at night:
1. Stick to a Sleep Schedule
One of the best things you can do for sleeping better is to stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time each night, and get up at the same time each morning. This applies even on the weekend. Try not to stay up too late or sleep in on the weekend. While an occasional deviation for special events can make sense, don’t make it a habit. A regular sleep schedule trains your body to rest.
2. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light during the day can help you sleep better at night. When you take breaks from work during the day, try to involve natural light. Go outside, or move to a window. You can also kickstart your day by making sure you get exposure to sunlight first thing. This helps keep your body in line with its rhythm, and the cue to sleep when you darken the room at night will be stronger.
3. Stay Away from Bright Screens Before Bed
Certain types of light are more stimulating to the brain and can keep you up at night. Electronics (TV, computers, cell phones) can prevent your brain from shutting down for sleep properly. Try to avoid these things before bed. Instead, consider reading or listening to audio books, or finding some other way to relax. Some e-readers, like the Paperwhite, don’t use disruptive light, so they can be used before bed.
4. Exercise During the Day
Your daily exercise habit can help you with sleeping better. When you tire your body, it is more likely to need the rest, and you are more likely to get higher-quality sleep.
You should try to finish moderate exercise at least three hours before bed, though, so that you have time to wind down, since exercise stimulates your body and your mind when you engage in it.
5. Don’t Eat Close to Bedtime
Watching what you eat and drink can lead to sleeping better at night. Avoid caffeine after lunch, and consider cutting back your intake altogether. You should also stay away from big meals and heavy foods before bed, since they are harder to digest and can keep your body from resting. Interestingly, alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycle.
A nightcap might relax you, but it wreaks havoc with your body once you’re out. And, of course, a lot of liquid before bed means interrupted sleep as you get up to use the bathroom.
Make the right moves throughout the day, and you’ll get better rest at night and be ready for almost anything your business needs from you.
