The Green Sheet Online Edition

February 13, 2023 • Issue 23:02:01

Inspiration

Are you getting enough shuteye?

As a thriving payments professional, you might sometimes have so much on your plate that you succumb to the proverbial burning the candle at both ends. Depending on your age and overall health, this can continue for some time before you experience the negative effects of sleep deprivation. Why this matters It's easy to forget how essential sleep is for proper functioning. Sufficient sleep helps you to think clearly, pick up new information, learn new skills, and pay attention during meetings and presentations. It also contributes to having a positive attitude, which goes a long way in the life of an ISO or merchant level salesperson.

Getting the right amount of sleep helps you maintain healthy cardiovascular, digestive and other systems throughout the body; repair physical injuries; recover from exertion; and keep inflammation low. There's no question that sleep is essential for your body to function properly.

For those who love working in the quiet, wee hours, this may be difficult, but taking care of yourself in this way can only help your payments career. And if you experience occasional sleepless nights due to worry over events that took place during the day, it's imperative to establish good sleeping habits, before the problem becomes chronic.

What to do

Ready for a healthy sleep boost? Here are some things that can lead to refreshing sleep night after night:

• Don't skimp on sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours per night—even more if possible.
• Be careful what you eat and drink. This is particularly important in the evening. Substances containing caffeine, for example, often interfere with sleep. Overeating can interfere as well.
• Set a regular bedtime.Your body will grow accustomed to a set bedtime, and it will be easier to fall asleep than if you varied the time night to night.
• Power down your devices. For an hour before bedtime, avoid using your mobile phone, tablet or computer. And, turn off the TV. This break from constant stimulation gives your body a chance to relax.
• Don't go to bed angry. If you try to sleep with heightened, negative emotions, you'll likely be in store for a night of tossing and turning. Express love, and apologize if needed.
• Create a restful environment. For the best quality of sleep, your bedroom should be dark and quiet, with a cool temperature—and devoid of distractions like TV.
• Ensure your comfort. If your mattress is too soft, too firm, worn out or lumpy, it will be much harder to rest easily. The same goes for pillows. Find the type of pillow that's most comfortable for you.
• Avoid daytime naps. Often, if you nap during the day, you increase the possibility you will not be tired enough to fall asleep at bedtime. This does, however, depend on individual physiology.

Sometimes you'll do everything right and still won't be able to nod off. If that happens, get out of bed, go to another room and do something relaxing until you're tired. Reading works for some; for others, a yoga routine does the trick.

I hope these tips will help you get a good night’s sleep every night so you can make the most of the year ahead

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