Getting enough sleep to make it through the day isn’t enough, you need enough sleep to thrive not just survive. The recommended amount is about eight hours, but in case you’re not getting enough, here are a few warning signs you might need to hit the hay a little earlier:
1. You’re constantly irritated
The more tired you are, the more irritable you become…simple as that! We’ve all felt the effects after a long work day when suddenly, you have nothing in your fridge for dinner. Getting that extra hour or two of sleep will help keep you level-headed and calm when they’re driving you up the wall. Calm enough to secretly come up with a vengeful plan to avenge your empty fridge.
2. You’re always hungry
Studies show that less sleep results in a lower level of lepton (which is the hormone that tells your brain to stop eating). So getting less sleep can make you consume quite a bit more that you really should be.
3. You’ve got some serious bags (I’m not talking about the Kate Spade)
Puffy face, bloodshot eyes, and dull skin are not how you want to look at work. It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, of course, you can always fake it, but it won’t change how you feel.
4. You’re always sick
You’re three times more likely to catch a cold if you get less than 7 hours of sleep. How do you expect to land that promotion if you’re always taking sick days or sitting at your desk feeling like crap? Skip the late night emails, and get to bed!
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5. You can’t focus
The longer you go without rest, the harder it is to focus, and the more your cognitive thinking slows. If you’re catching yourself spacing out into a void of nothing, you’re probably not getting enough sleep! Even if those daydreams of George Clooney are nice, it’s not worth endangering your health!
6. You’re super emotional
Lack of sleep lowers your emotional resilience, so any little thing can make the waterworks start. However, you can do yourself a favour and get a full eight hours. So that when your boss starts critiquing your latest work, you’ll take it with grace.
If you have trouble getting some much-needed sleep, try unplugging from all your devices for at least an hour, try a little night yoga or read a book?
