Investing in Good Sleep. As a professional in the field of financial planning and a former chemical engineer, I often find myself reflecting on the wisdom imparted by my mentors. One such individual is Mr. Nene, a significant figure in my professional journey. His insights have not only shaped my career but also influenced my perspective on life.
Mr. Nene once shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout the years. He said….
“Jitesh, always invest in the best bed that will provide you with the utmost comfort and optimal sleep. After all, you will be spending approximately one-third of your day, and consequently, your life in it. Similarly, prioritize purchasing the most comfortable and high-quality shoes, as you will be spending at least half of your day in them.”
This advice, simple yet profound, underscores the importance of prioritizing our health and comfort in our daily lives. It’s a reminder that the quality of our lives is often determined by the choices we make in seemingly mundane matters. As we invest in our comfort and well-being, we are, in essence, investing in our productivity and overall quality of life.
In sharing this personal anecdote, I hope to inspire you to consider the small yet significant choices you make daily. Remember, every decision, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on your life.
I’ve always emphasized the importance of health in the equation of wealth. After all, what is the value of all the money in the world, if you do not have the good health to enjoy it? In this edition of my “Health is Wealth” series, I delve into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of health: sleep.
“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” – Thomas Dekker
The Unappreciated Health Pillar
In the world of finance, we often talk about hidden assets. Sleep, it turns out, is one such asset in the realm of health. The American Heart Association, in 2022, urged doctors to consider sleep duration as a vital sign, on par with blood pressure, smoking habits, diet, and exercise. Yet, despite this growing recognition, many of us continue to wage a daily battle against sleep.
“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama
The Economic and Societal Costs of Sleep Deprivation
The consequences of poor sleep extend beyond individual health. Economically, sleep deprivation leads to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. Societally, it can even result in diminished civic engagement.
“Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.” – Tom Roth
Investing in Good Sleep
Investing in good sleep is not just beneficial for our personal well-being, but it’s also a sound economic decision. Establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up time, removing screen technology from the bedroom, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can all contribute to improved sleep quality.
“Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.” – Mesut Barazany
At Virtual Adviser, we place a priority on health over wealth. We believe that a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury, but a necessity for overall well-being and productivity. If you share our value system, then it’s time that you did business with us – call Feziwe today at our umhlanga office and let’s start the conversation, shall we? Our office number is: 031 035 1653
Before we conclude this discussion on the importance of sleep, I explore three thought-provoking questions:
- How can society adapt to better accommodate individuals’ circadian rhythms, considering the negative health and economic impacts of sleep deprivation?
- What are some practical ways to align our daily routines with our biological cycles, especially for those who work night shifts or frequently travel across time zones?
- Given the importance of sleep, how can we better educate the public about good sleep habits and the risks of sleep deprivation?
#SleepIsWealth #HealthOverWealth #InvestInSleep
Sleep is a fundamental human need, yet it is often overlooked in our fast-paced society. This article explores three critical questions related to sleep: how society can adapt to accommodate individuals’ circadian rhythms, practical ways to align our daily routines with our biological cycles, and how we can better educate the public about good sleep habits and the risks of sleep deprivation.
How Can Society Adapt to Better Accommodate Individuals’ Circadian Rhythms?
Sleep deprivation has far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society, including transportation safety, health, and education. Chronic sleep restriction and extension, as well as total sleep deprivation, have a marked effect on REM sleep. Sleep deprivation can also reduce the effectiveness of top-down attentional control, especially when conditions require flexibility.
In older adults, sleep deprivation does not activate cellular inflammation as it does in younger adults. This difference may contribute to the increased risk of infectious disease seen with aging. Therefore, societal adaptation to sleep deprivation should consider these age-related differences in sleep and immune responses.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Align Our Daily Routines with Our Biological Cycles?
Aligning our daily routines with our biological cycles, or circadian rhythms, can improve our sleep quality and overall health. Here are some practical ways to achieve this alignment:
- Maintain a fixed wake-up time, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or weekend.
- Treat sleep as a priority.
- Make gradual adjustments if you want to shift your sleep times.
- Limit napping to avoid disrupting your sleep schedule.
- Follow a consistent nightly routine to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
- Unplug from electronics before bed to avoid exposure to blue light, which can interfere with your sleep.
- Get daylight exposure and be physically active during the day to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
- Reduce alcohol consumption and cut down on caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
- Avoid eating late at night, which can disrupt your sleep.
- Optimize your bedroom to make it conducive for sleep, such as keeping it dark and at a comfortable temperature.
Given the Importance of Sleep, How Can We Better Educate the Public About Good Sleep Habits and the Risks of Sleep Deprivation?
Education about the importance of sleep and the risks of sleep deprivation is crucial. This education should start at a young age and continue throughout a person’s life. It can be incorporated into school curriculums, workplace wellness programs, and public health initiatives. The education should cover the basics of sleep hygiene, the importance of aligning daily routines with biological cycles, and the health risks associated with sleep deprivation.
Virtual Adviser, we firmly believe that health is the true wealth. We understand that a good night’s sleep is not a mere luxury, but a fundamental necessity for overall well-being and productivity.
If our philosophy resonates with you, we invite you to join us in redefining wealth management. We encourage you to take the first step towards a balanced and holistic approach to financial planning that prioritizes your health.
Contact Feziwe today at our Umhlanga office to start a conversation that could transform your approach to wealth and well-being. Reach out to us at 031 035 1653. Let’s embark on this journey together, prioritizing your health to truly enrich your wealth. Your future self will thank you.
Now for that bonus song….
The song “Weightless” by Marconi Union, created in collaboration with sound therapists, has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and aid sleep. The song’s harmonies, soft chimes, and heartbeat-like rhythms were found to be 11% more relaxing than other songs in a study conducted by Mindlab International. The study involved 40 women who were asked to solve a puzzle against the clock while the song played. The song was found to reduce overall anxiety by 65%. If you are struggling with sleep or needing to calm down, you could benefit from listening to “Weightless” or other relaxing songs.
References
- Carskadon, M. (2004). Sleep deprivation: health consequences and societal impact. Link
- Skorucak, J., Arbon, E. L., Dijk, D., & Achermann, P. (2018). Response to chronic sleep restriction, extension, and subsequent total sleep deprivation in humans: adaptation or preserved sleep homeostasis? Link
- Whitney, P., Hinson, J., Satterfield, B., Grant, D. A., Honn, K., & Van Dongen, H. V. (2017). Sleep Deprivation Diminishes Attentional Control Effectiveness and Impairs Flexible Adaptation to Changing Conditions. Link
- Carroll, J., Carrillo, C., Olmstead, R., Witarama, T., Breen, E., Yokomizo, M., Seeman, T., & Irwin, M. (2015). Sleep deprivation and divergent toll-like receptor-4 activation of cellular inflammation in aging. Link