How to Get the Sleep You Need

Job searches for the perfect construction job can be taxing. Everything from searching the various websites, researching companies, submitting your resumes, to telephone and in person interviews can be stressful and physically exhausting. Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis can be an integral part in staying healthy and keeping your attitude upbeat and positive. But with all the frenzy and stress a solid seven to eight hours of sleep can elude many jobseekers.

A resource from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School suggests to people having trouble sleeping, to avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and other chemicals that interfere with sleep. This is a tough one for many people who like to drink coffee or engage in an occasional alcoholic drink. For most of us that would be a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people love their coffee or a little glass of wine. The tendency is to consume more of these liquids when experiencing stress. The key here is to avoid these kinds of beverages from three to six hours before bedtime.

Many sleep experts suggest making your bedroom something you only use for sleeping and sex. If you have a television or a computer in your bedroom, it could cause problems. Depending on the television program you are watching, it could elevate your stress levels which would delay your mind’s ability to relax and fall asleep naturally. Computers can be addictive in their own way. This compulsion to get online and surf the net or check your emails at any hour of the day or night can cause you to lose track of time and disrupt your ability to keep to a schedule when it is time for sleep.

Another suggestion would be to make sure your bedroom creates the kind of environment that is conducive to sleep. Dark shades and/or a sleep mask can help to prevent porch lights, moonlight or early morning sunlight from disturbing your sleep cycle. Since you spend seven to eight hours per night sleeping, investing in a high quality bed is absolutely a must for uninterrupted and healthy sleep.

Learn to use your body’s natural internal wake up ability. It is no coincidence that the clock you use to wake you in the morning is called an “alarm clock.” This is not the best way to be greeted after a full night sleep. Better to condition yourself to wake up peacefully and fully refreshed and not be jolted out of your sleep by a buzzer or blaring clock radio. One way to condition your body to do this, is to make it a practice to get to bed at the same time each night. Some experts advise that getting to bed before eleven p.m. is best, to take full advantage of the earth’s rhythm.

So do your best to get your sleep and you will go a long way toward staying healthy and keeping your attitude upbeat and positive.

Tom Borg is a consultant in leadership management, team building and customer service. Please see more of his blogs at constructionjobforceblog and manufacturingworkersblog. To view additional job postings go to Nexxt.