So, what can we do to sleep better and be more productive in the eight hours we do have at work? Here are a few tips I've learned from my battles with fatigue and reading lots of articles:

Get a real alarm clock. So many people use their phone as an alarm clock. However, this means it's likely next to your bed in a position where it's easily accessible, making it easier to pick up and check social media. Instagram can be a time suck. Before you know it, you've been scrolling for two hours looking at cat videos. Trust me, we've all been there.
Turn your phone on silent an hour before bed time. Around 8:30 p.m., I'll turn my phone on silent and let anyone know who's asking that I'm heading to bed. I generally don't fall asleep until an hour later. However, I like to have a relaxation period before bed so I can wind down from the day. I'm an animated and passionate person, so if I stay up talking on the phone for an hour before bed, I'll likely be energized and thinking about the conversation, which cuts into my sleep.
Don't have a television in your room. This has been a tough one for me because I love watching television in bed. However, "Using TVs, tablets, smartphones, laptops or other electronic devices before bed delays your body's internal clock (a.k.a., your circadian rhythm), suppresses the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, and makes it more difficult to fall asleep. This is largely due to the short-wavelength, artificial blue light that's emitted by these devices. The more electronic devices that a person uses in the evening, the harder it is to fall asleep or stay asleep," according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Stay on a sleep schedule – even on the weekends. As people read this, I can hear the long sighs. This means no staying out late. Ever wonder why you're exhausted on Monday? It's probably because you stayed up late all weekend.
If you wake up easily from noise or light, get an eye mask and ear plugs. Yes, I do this. Don't judge me!
Exercise daily. I sleep so much better when I've exercised. It's as if my body is so tired it doesn't fight going to sleep.

My sleep study revealed I have sleep apnea. If you feel like you're constantly tired, I encourage you to make an appointment with a sleep specialist. Hopefully, these tips will allow you to get better sleep and be more productive at work! Send your sleep tips to me at the email below.

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Sleep Your Way to a Better Career and Life

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