Any discerning employer knows that the company is as good as its workforce.
And it is essential to have a healthy team, as your employees’ health will have a direct impact on your company’s productivity.
In fact, it is known that businesses lose a significant amount of money because of reduced productivity and health-related absences from work. In Europe, the average rates of absence range from 3 to 6% of working time. It is reasonable to estimate a cost of about 2.5% of GDP, and for Malta, this works out at almost half a billion euros that is lost in productivity EVERY YEAR! This is not including lost productivity due to presenteeism – where people attend work while ill, as there is still insufficient data about this.
Has this convinced you that you should focus on your employees health and work to support them before chronic conditions emerge?
Apart from caring for your employees, and having a healthier, happier workforce, employers stand to benefit significantly in financial terms.
Over the next few weeks we will be delving into various areas that should be given attention and we will provide you with information about 4 core pillars that we should all focus on every day:
· Sleep
· Stress Management
· Diet
· Exercise
Focussing on these areas will give each and every one of us a balance to achieve the best health, enabling us to perform at our optimum levels. This information will empower us to make healthier life choices.
Sharing this knowledge with your workforce is a step in the direction of a healthier and more productive workforce.
Today we will talk a bit about the importance of sleep for our physical and mental health.
NEVER EVER EVER SKIMP ON YOUR ZZZZ’S
Do you feel that 7 hours of sleep is enough for you? Are you able to function well, or do you need caffeine to help you get through the day? Do you feel tired while driving? Do you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep?
Lack of sleep will have a number of short-term effects such as fatigue, moodiness, longer reaction times and difficulty to concentrate. These symptoms are worrying enough on their own, but the longer-term effects are much more serious and may include high blood pressure and heart problems, obesity and diabetes and depression.
The quality of your sleep is important as well as the amount of sleep you are getting.
Health Alert: Did you know that if you drive when tired or drowsy, this can be as dangerous as drunk driving?
WHEN YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Ohhhh the joy of a good night’s sleep. You wake up ready to face the day, feeling so refreshed. A good night’s sleep allows your body and mind to heal and restore itself, allowing you to face the new day charging on all cylinders, with better concentration and focus.
SOME TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
ü During the day, get exposure to sunlight or bright light
ü Do avoid long naps during the day.
ü Regular exercise will help improve the quality of your sleep.
ü Many may indulge in alcohol to get to sleep. While this may actually help you fall asleep, it will NOT help you stay asleep or contribute to the quality of your sleep. Alcohol is a depressant and that is why it helps you fall asleep, but when it is metabolised by our bodies, it actually interferes with our sleep. So skip the alcohol and grab a soothing chamomile tea instead!
ü Avoid caffeine before bedtime.
ü Set the scene in your bedroom to help you get to sleep: makes sure that it is dark, cool and quiet – like a cave!
ü Equip yourself with a good mattress and pillow
ü Avoid screens before bedtime as the blue light is known to suppress the body's release of melatonin, a hormone that makes us feel drowsy.
ü Try to keep regular hours, going to sleep and waking up around the same time as this strengthens the body’s sleep / wake cycle.
ü Make a practice of unwinding an hour before bed. You can read, do stretching exercises, listen to relaxing and soothing music. This will give the message to your body that it is time to unwind and settle down for the night.
ü Think of something relaxing when you get into bed such as a remembered happy place or moment, a peaceful view that you love, a special moment with a loved one…..if you find your mind wandering away to stressful thoughts, make an effort to re-focus on the soothing thoughts. Relaxation techniques such as meditation may help.
Seek professional help when other techniques aren’t working or if you’re getting enough hours but still don’t feel refreshed. There could be other medical problems that need to be addressed, like sleep apnea or obesity.
Your medical practitioner may be able to guide you on how to achieve a better rest that is so essential to your overall health.
If you would like support with your team’s wellness, we can help. We can provide you and your team with a Company Wellness Program. Do speak to us and we will help guide you and your team.
Contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt.
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