Why going to bed early makes us more productive

When we have a lot to do but we’re starting to feel tired, our usual thinking is to stay up a couple hours more to get our work done. However, that might not be the best way to be productive. Sleeping and doing more work the next day, actually would be the smarter choice. This seems counter productive because we’re getting less done and pushing back work, but really we can get more done the next day feeling energized and alert. Here are reasons why going to be early makes us more productive:

You’re not retaining when you’re tired

When we get more quality sleep, we’re able to retain more information. When our minds don’t get enough sleep, it impairs our focus, attention, and working memory. This explains why we have to repeat tasks or reread things over and over, when we’re tired.

Not enough sleep calls for not a good mood

People talk about being hangry but no one talks about being sangry. Studies show how lack of sleep makes us more irritable and moody. Examples of this isn’t even necessary because we’re all very familiar with this.

Bad sleep, bad judgement

There’s another study from 2007 that was published in the journal Sleep, found that a lack of sleep actually has a negative affect on our moral judgement. We struggle more with moral dilemmas and/or make wrong choices when we’re tired. We’re also just slowing in making decisions in general when we’re sleep deprived.

Increased risk of accidents

Research from Harvard Medical School has reported that insomnia is the cause for 274,000 workplace accidents and errors each year. Being tired impairs our motor skills and our reaction time. Jobs that are more hands on or require a person to operate machinery need a well rested employee. Being tired can cost your employer a lot of money as well as your safety.

Better rest means better health

This seems like the more obvious reason. We all know that sleep is healthy. Yet, we still stay up late and don’t get enough of it! Getting more waking hours isn’t worth the health risks like stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.. Our immune system needs sleep, and with a weaker immune system that puts us at higher risk of illness.

Not 100% rested, not 100% efficient

When you’re tired, the last thing you’re thinking about is being efficient. It’s hard to be engaged in the present moment when you’re not 100% there.

If you feel like you’re not getting enough rest because you have a lot going on, anxiety, stress, and need help relaxing or better managing your time, please contact Crownview Medical Group to get in touch with a medical professional who can provide you with some advice.

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201604/7-reasons-productive-people-go-bed-early

Mark Meldon, DO/DABPN( Psychiatrist, CEO/President )

Dr. Melden earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Philadelphia College Osteopathic Medicine and went to USC Presbyterian Hospital for his residency in Family Medicine. He then completed his Psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine and went to UCSD Geropsychiatry pursuing a fellowship. Dr. Melden has over 14 years of experience as a clinician specializing in treating child and adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. He has devoted his life to psychiatry in a variety of different treatment settings including in- patient and out-patient environments. He specializes in the psychiatric evaluation, complementary therapy approaches, and medical management of individuals suffering from mental illness. Currently, he maintains a private practice with Crownview Medical Group in Coronado and Carlsbad, California where he is CEO/President.