How to correct poor sleep habits

1. Prioritize sleep properly

Schedule sleep as you would any critical task. Treat it as a non-negotiable commitment that directly impacts your leadership success and overall well-being.

2. Switch your mindset

Think of sleep as a leadership tool. Viewing it as expendable undermines your ability to inspire, focus, and make sound decisions.

3. Communicate honestly about your sleep patterns

After a bad night, be open and honest about it – tell your team you didn’t sleep well, and you may not be the best version of yourself today. Transparency fosters understanding and reinforces the importance of sleep for everyone.

4. Be consistent in your sleep schedule

Make sure you sleep at consistent times; both in terms of going to bed and waking up. Regularity enhances your sleep quality and strengthens your circadian rhythm for sustained energy.

5. Schedule important speeches and meetings judiciously

Plan key events when you’re rested. If unavoidable, avoid over-caffeinating – it can make you jittery at times when your natural adrenaline will keep you sharp. Use natural energy boosts like movement or hydration instead.

6. Be a sleep ambassador for your team

Be mindful that others pick up on your energy – role-model the value of sleep by emphasizing its importance for everyone and encouraging others to adopt healthy sleep habits.

7. Don’t make major decisions after a poor night’s sleep

Delay critical decisions if possible. Seek input from well-rested colleagues to safeguard accuracy and sound judgment.

8. Take a nap when tired

Recharge with a short nap after a rough night. Even 15 minutes boosts focus; while a 90-minute recovery nap will allow your brain to go through all the sleep stages, including vital REM, and restore critical cognitive and creative functions.