When our wise ancestors came up with proverbs like ‘Early to bed and early to rise..’, they had the right idea. Below, we discuss why sleep is important - and to get more of it.

Where are we now?

• Sleep helps to maintain our immune system so we get sick less often and stay at a healthy weight.

• It also allows us to think clearly and enhances our problem-solving skills, which enables us to be more productive and effective at work.

What can you do?

• According to the Sleep Foundation, people aged 18 and over need a minimum of 7 hours of daily sleep.

• And yet, just over half of the world’s adult population (51%) doesn’t get this amount of sleep, which leads to ‘pathologically high’ levels of daytime sleepiness.

• By taking some micro-steps, including reduced screen time and caffeine intake, more physical activity, and a warm bath or reading a book before bed, we can access better sleep and its benefits.

What’s next?

• A good night’s sleep not only improves our ability to perform well at work, it also benefits our mental wellbeing.

• It uplifts our mood and allows us to get along better with others, contributing to a better quality of life.

Today, the myth that a successful person must get by on little sleep has proven to be outdated. To function well at work and in our personal lives, adequate sleep is key.

1. Here are 7 reasons you need good sleep
2. Those who sleep better, lead better
3. Find out how sleep and work productivity are intricately intertwined