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Brain Circuits
How to correct poor sleep habits
Not getting enough sleep affects not only your leadership performance but that of your team. Follow these eight tips to get a good night’s sleep and become a better leader.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Key takeaway
You can’t sacrifice sleep and sustain long-term team performance. Prioritize rest, model good sleep habits, and create a culture that values well-being for optimal leadership and team success.
See Part 1 of this two-part series on the 10 biggest sleep misconceptions for leaders.
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Further reading
Relaxation techniques you may be missing
A good night’s sleep will help you to make better strategic decisions
Authors
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