Sleep Matters for Work: Tips for Practicing Healthy Sleep Habits on Your Journey to Employment

Are you getting enough sleep? Nearly one in three adults report getting an average of six or less hours of sleep per day, compared to the recommended seven or eight hours.

Not getting enough sleep is a major public health concern. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems such as diabetes or depression. It can also affect how well you think, react, work, learn and get along with others - things that can create big challenges if you are on the job or preparing to enter the workforce. Select your state on this tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see how your state ranks compared to other states in terms of sleep habits.

This week in honor of National Sleep Awareness Week, Ticket to Work is sharing why sleep is important for job performance, and what you can do to practice healthy sleep habits. Below are several facts about sleep to keep in mind on your journey to employment.

• When you sleep is just as important as how long you sleep. Go to sleep at about the same time each day to feel rested. Set a bedtime routine and avoid eating, talking on the phone or watching TV in bed.

• Sleepiness can reduce productivity. Being rested and alert before a job interview, a meeting with your local service provider or before a routine day at work can help you feel confident and ready.

• Your health is important. Just like eating well, getting a good night's sleep is vital to your overall health. The National Institute of Health has provided 13 tips to help you prepare for a good night sleep.

Getting enough sleep can help you stay focused and ready to achieve your work goals. To learn more about how Ticket to Work can help you find or maintain financial independence, call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

_{*Image above is unchanged via Elias Quezada. View Creative Commons license here.}