It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is important for living a healthy life. However, for nurses, sleep will benefit you and your patients’ health simultaneously. With a busy schedule we know sometimes it may be hard to fit in a good night of sleep, but did you know how essential it is for your health? A good night of sleep helps the body feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. With this in mind, here are a few effects of getting enough sleep that might encourage you to get that seven to eight hours of sleep each day.
More Sleep = More Productivity and Concentration
When working up to a 12 hour shift, concentration and productivity are key traits to have for a successful work day. Getting at least seven hours of sleep can help improve your memory and help you stay focused on what is most important. Alertness and judgement also goes way down when sleep deprivation hits, so keeping up on rest helps keep you looking sharp on the job.
More Sleep = More Connections
Sleeping and positivity go hand and hand. Irritability and anger are not two things that mix well with nursing, but both emotions occur when sleep is lacking. When you interact with people every day it is important to be able to connect with them in a positive way.
More Sleep = More Money
A sick day typically means no pay. As a nurse you are around patients daily, and let’s face it, they are not in your care because they are healthy. Getting enough sleep gives you that extra boost to fight off viruses and avoid getting sick from the job.
We get it, finding time to get that perfect amount of sleep is hard, especially for nurses. If you happen to work the night shift, this can present an even greater challenge. It can be difficult to rest and unwind your mind after working a busy shift. However, for nurses, getting enough sleep will benefit you in numerous ways, and your patients will thank you for it.
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References
Leech, J. (2018, June 29). 10 Reasons Why Good Sleep Is Important. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important
Olson, E. J. (2015, June 09). Can lack of sleep make you sick? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
Peri, C. (n.d.). What Lack of Sleep Does to Your Mind. Retrieved from
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/emotions-cognitive