Sleep Like The Top Performer You Are

You have a big day coming up. A major presentation. A career-rocketing job interview. You’re about to close the deal of the century. If you’re an ambitious sort, you really do aim for the stars to reach the moon. Funny, that. Because the quality of sleep you get every night is always going to be your best launchpad.

Let’s get into the preferred sleep behaviours for consistent, high-level performance.

It’s not rocket science. The better you sleep, the sharper you are each day. Just as important is that, with a healthy diet and exercise regime, your immune system will also “wake up” strong enough each day to keep you operating at your best. Sleep is not something you fall back on when you suddenly feel exhausted and depleted. Sleep is a vital part of sustaining a level of productive output. It’s about long-term stamina.

Career paths are mostly of our own choosing, often with a healthy dose of luck along the way. We all have our specific goals and strategies. But let’s take just a few scenarios that succinctly illustrate the correlation between serious, dedicated sleep and its effect on that “big day” event. And correspondingly, how best to prepare ourselves for proper sleep the night before.

A major, high-level presentation can often be weeks, if not months, in the making. Invariably, it’s in addition to your daily workload. This is when the extra hours creep in, likely at the cost of the dedicated time you need for quality sleep. But that’s okay. It’s an interim run-up. You can adjust your routine sleep by an hour or so. Three important things are at play here:

1. By being disciplined about your sleep routine, even if you sleep perhaps an hour less in the interim, you’ll feel in control of your project.
2. Consequently, you’ll likely enjoy a calmer, more restful sleep. Think of quality, not quantity, for now.
3. With each working day approaching the “big one”, the quality of each night’s sleep will keep you focused and driven. And so, the cycle continues as you manage and apply yourself to an upcoming watershed task.

A more short-term challenge to proper quality sleep is perhaps suddenly being invited to a first, or final round, interview for a new position that you absolutely want. You’re flattered and excited. You also perhaps start overthinking the mind-prep. It’s all perfectly normal, high-flyer stuff. But it might keep you up at night. Here’s how to manage the impending moment:

1. Obviously, do the research into your prospective employer’s business and why you’re the perfect candidate. With an informed sense of confidence, your subconscious processing through deep sleep is likely to be calmer.
2. Focus on a sleep-friendly lifestyle. Keep to a healthy diet, get that moderate exercise and calm yourself well before bedtime. Be focused and mindful of this awesome opportunity.
3. A prospective employer is interested in you, not a pretend you, let alone an exhausted you. Proper sleep processes and rejuvenates the real, self-assured you. And that’s who you want at the table on the day.

Perhaps you’ve just landed an awesome investor opportunity. You’re probably the sort who is in perpetual product research and development mode. You’re up at all hours, totally focused on your market-disrupting game changer. You just need the solid backing.

1. Entrepreneurs tend to be myopically focused on their ‘baby’. Often, it’s to a degree of self-detriment, with proper sleep being the first casualty. If one of the opportunity costs of your success is slightly less sleep, that’s okay. Just ensure it’s still dedicated, quality sleep each night.
2. There is sometimes a romantic notion of working through every night, burning candles at every end and surviving on cold pizza slices. It makes for a great movie. In reality, it’s simply unsustainable. Absolutely prioritise your business venture. But until you get it properly off the ground, you are your only underlying asset. You need a healthy diet with moderate exercise. And sleep!
3. Preferably, have everything you need for your pitch ready in good time. Crunch the numbers. Refine your presentation. Complete all the preparatory legwork a good 24 hours in advance. Then – sit back and let it all calmly consolidate in your head. Especially while you’re getting good quality sleep the night before.

There are all manner of smartphones and tech wearables to track and manage your optimal sleep. There’s also the perfect level of support and comfort you want in a mattress, specifically for your sleep preferences. Consider the materials, design and engineering that all need to work together in your perfect sleep machine.

Dial•a•Bed is South Africa’s largest branded bed store. In one visit, you’ll be guided to the very best sleep you need. And deserve. Start at www.dialabed.co.za. Give your career that extra impetus with proper, quality sleep. #SleepForLife.

TAKE CARE: Lifestyle recommendations are not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional should you be experiencing prolonged sleep difficulties or related health issues.