Lead Better- Go to Sleep

Have you noticed that when you are well rested you are much more likely to be at the top of your game?  Whether your game is pickleball, parenting, or being an effective leader, your ability is impacted by how well rested you are.  Many of us find ourselves overscheduled and under rested.  Let’s look at why that matters AND what we can do about it.

Impact of sleep and wellness on leadership: 

Sleep and wellness have a significant impact on leadership skills and effectiveness. Studies have shown that getting enough quality sleep can lead to improved cognitive functioning, better decision-making, and increased creativity. In addition, taking care of one's physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress management can also enhance leadership skills.

Leaders who prioritize their own well-being are more likely to be effective in leading their teams. When leaders are well-rested and healthy, they have more energy and focus, which can improve their ability to communicate, motivate, and inspire their team members. Furthermore, leaders who model healthy behaviors set a positive example for their team, which can lead to a more productive and positive work environment.

Impact of sleep on emotional intelligence. 

One of the most important leadership skills is emotional intelligence, the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. - Cooper

Studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and improving emotional intelligence. Lack of sleep can lead to negative emotional states and difficulty regulating emotions, which can impact one's ability to be an effective leader. In addition, sleep deprivation has been linked to decreased cognitive functioning, including reduced emotional intelligence. Therefore, getting enough quality sleep is important for maintaining emotional balance and enhancing emotional intelligence.

Sleep deprivation triggers an overactive sympathetic nervous system response stuck on fight or flight.  Studies show that we are 60% more emotionally reactive when we lack adequate sleep- Why We Sleep. Additional support can be found at sleepfoundation.org.

In summary, prioritizing sleep and wellness can lead to improved leadership skills and effectiveness, as well as a more positive work environment for both leaders and team members.