What do Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, and Marie Kondo all have in common? They all get 8 hours of sleep at night. Yet despite the well-known benefits of a good night’s rest, most Americans aren’t getting it. Insufficient sleep costs Americans more than $411 billion in lost productivity every year. Poor sleeping habits increase mortality risk, cause weight gain, and impair mental faculties. People who regularly get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep are 29% more productive than those who sleep less than 5, increasing their chances of success.
How exactly does sleep make all these differences? Regular sleep improves both declarative and procedural memory, making fact retrieval and repetitive tasks easier. REM sleep (in which people dream) is one of the best ways to nurture creativity. Sleep strengthens the immune system, reducing one’s likelihood of falling ill.
What are some ways to sleep better? Make sure you wash your bedsheets regularly. 73% of people are more excited to sleep with fresh sheets. Limit your blue light exposure (that is, time on electronics) before bed. Blue light inhibits melatonin, an important chemical to falling asleep. Above all, make time for yourself to receive 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
