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The Top 3 Sleep Deprived Professions

Author Britney Cherry
Desperate girl suffering insomnia trying to sleep in a bed at home in the night

Getting a good night’s sleep is not only essential for your over-all wellbeing, but also helps to promote healthy brain development and function. When I was a young adult, my family would always warn me about getting enough sleep but an 18-year-old sleeps only in emergency situations, like in class or during the most inappropriate times like church. Now that I’m an older working adult, I understand the importance now more than ever. Let’s take a look at the top 3 sleep-deprived professions according to BAZAAR.

Health Care Professionals

There are many different factors that impact the quality of sleep like caffeine intake and even one’s career choice. The number one profession impacted by lack of sleep is no surprise. Healthcare professionals reported getting the least amount of sleep by those surveyed during a study out of 4,596 respondents. Healthcare professionals responded that they are getting around 4 hours and 15 minutes of sleep on average. Personally, this is a pretty scary number if you ask me, I need my doctor and nurse well-rested before surgery.

Law Enforcement

During this study, Law Enforcement professionals reported that they only get 4 hours and 30 minutes of sleep on average. Just like Healthcare professionals, it’s very important that those who protect and serve get the proper amount of sleep before work. For officers who work very long shifts including overnight, getting the proper rest can be understandably difficult.

Teaching

Last but certainly not least, teachers get the least amount of sleep. Teachers reported getting just 4 hours and 35 minutes worth of sleep on average. Shaping the minds of the youth is by far one of the most important jobs that you can have. I had the privilege of having some incredible teachers in my life, and they definitely deserve a good nights’ sleep.

What are some professions that you believe should also be included on this list? To read the entire list of sleep-deprived professionals check it out here 

Why You're Not Getting Enough Sleep At Night

If we’re being honest, there are so many reasons why you might not be sleeping enough at night. It could be a symptom of something you’re experiencing physically, mentally, or even emotionally. Because all three of these parts of your well-being can affect your sleep.

As a whole, Americans need more z’s. The American Sleep Association says adults need seven to nine hours of rest at night, but roughly one out of every three people get less than seven hours. And that’s consistent! Which is yes, very bad for you.

In college and even my life post-college, that’s one thing I learned very quickly: do not underestimate the importance of sleep. Really, it’s what keeps you sane. And it’s what keeps you you. HuffPost reports that a deficiency of rest has effects on your physical health, mental health, feeling of safety, and overall quality of life.

You might be experiencing sleep onset insomnia which is when you have trouble actually relaxing and falling asleep. Or you could be experiencing sleep maintenance insomnia, which is when you have trouble staying asleep.

So, use some of these tips provided by the American Sleep Association and published by HuffPost. Do you have a bedtime ritual? It might be time you start using one to help…

READ NEXT: Lexi’s Listens: 6 Songs I’ve Got On Endless Repeat Right Now (6/27)

  • 1. Limit screen time before bed

    You might’ve heard before that the blue light that comes from our electronics can stimulate the brain and keep it awake. That’s because it suppresses the release of melatonin, which is the brain chemical necessary for sleep. It also regulates your circadian rhythm, which is essentially your body’s 24-hour clock. Limiting your exposure to blue light right before bed can help with this release of melatonin.

  • 2. Avoid having the TV on while you fall asleep

    Some people might find it comforting to sleep with the TV noise in the background. I get it. I understand because I can’t sleep in complete silence or else my thoughts will go wild and actually keep me up. But with the TV comes the same problem with blue light. It suppresses this melatonin that you need to fall asleep. If you need sound though, I would highly suggest getting a white noise machine. Or getting a really loud fan.

  • 3. Avoid lots of social interaction right before bed

    HuffPost says lots of social interaction before bed keeps us up. This includes engaging on social media. Social media can also lead to negative thoughts and the inescapable comparison you make between yourself and others you see online. Seems like TikTok time might not be as relaxing as you think it is.

  • 4. Don't work from your bed at any time of the day

    Working from your bed, meaning even just checking email, can mentally leave no boundary between rest and work. This happens because when you work, you are supposed to be alert and of course conscious. But doing that from place you’re supposed to be resting can send your brain mixed signals which can subconsciously lead to both less productivity doing work as well as problems falling asleep.

  • 5. Avoid coffee and alcohol right before bed

    This one seems like a no brainer, but you might not know the exact limits of it. Experts say you shouldn’t drink coffee or soda or any energy drinks less than 6 hours before going to bed. You really shouldn’t drink anything with caffeine past early afternoon. So it might be best to avoid that 3:30 coffee break. Drink water or eat some fruit instead to keep you awake during a lull time in the afternoon. Also, alcohol can first lead to more restroom breaks in the middle of the night. It also does make you sleepy, but experts say it disallows you from falling into deeper stages of sleep so you’re less likely to stay asleep after drinking alcohol.

  • 6. Avoid exercising right before bed

    While your body might feel tired after exercising, it’s not too good to exercise right before bed. This is because exercise releases endorphins, which mentally keeps you feeling wired. It is really great to exercise during the day because it absolutely helps regulate your sleep, tire out your body, and decompress your mind for sleep. But doing it riiiight before bed might actually keep you restless.

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Author Britney Cherry
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