Recent studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental and physical well-being. A lack of support from coworkers and higher-ups can lead to poor sleep due to job stress, which can negatively impact overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the connection between sleep, workplace environment, and mental health, as well as the benefits of proper sleep for athletes.
Workplace Environment and Sleep Quality
Improved psychological and social support at work can help individuals shut off from the workday and improve sleep. Initiatives to improve well-being in the workplace can improve sleep quality and increase resilience to daily challenges. A study analyzing data on nearly 115,000 participants in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland found that negative changes in workplace leadership and fairness had the strongest long-term impact on sleep. On the other hand, positive changes in leadership and fairness or coworker support and collaboration decreased the odds of persistent sleep problems.
Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health affects a person’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Stressors can cause physical maladaptations in the body, leading to declined mental health, which can harm an athlete’s physical performance and slow recovery. Heart rate variability (HRV) can indicate an athlete’s physical reaction to stress and impact athletic performance. HRV can be tracked using apps and devices to understand where the body is on any given morning. Mental wellness, life stress, and underlying issues can affect an athlete’s physical performance.
The Connection Between Exercise and Sleep
Sleep is considered one of the most important aspects of good health by elite athletes, such as Maro Itoje, an England and Saracens star, who says sleep is the number one recovery method. Good exercise can help you catch more quality snooze time, but not all exercise is equal when it comes to sleep. Fitness and sleep experts were tasked with explaining the relationship between exercise and sleep, and NFL trailblazer Efe Obada says sleep is probably one of the biggest things and makes a huge difference.
Conclusion
Understanding the science of sleep and its importance for mental and physical well-being is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By improving workplace environments, focusing on mental health, and incorporating the right exercise routines, individuals can significantly improve their sleep quality and overall well-being. Future intervention studies are needed to examine the extent to which improvements in workplace psychosocial resources could facilitate remission or recovery from sleep disturbances.