Navigating sleep challenges amidst a high-pressure career in a world where work never slumbers.
Today, more and more individuals are finding themselves caught-up in the stresses of life and work. This is especially true for those in high-intensity professions, like those in the fields of medicine, business management, finance, entrepreneurship, engineering, and similarly stressful work lives. If you’re one of these people, or know someone who is, you might want to keep reading.
While they can be immensely rewarding, high-intensity roles very often come strapped with a blend of prolonged hours, soaring stress levels, and scant windows for leisure and self-care. It often paints a daunting picture, especially for one’s mental wellbeing and health.
However, dedicating greater attention, time, and investment in our sleep is super crucial, as it can really make a world of difference.
A revelation from the 2024 Global Sleep Census [1], orchestrated by Sealy into over 20,000 consumers across the globe, sheds light on the pivotal role of lifestyle in sleep. An eye-opening 92% of Malaysians with rotating or changing shifts were found to regularly have problems sleeping—a significantly higher number than the average.
Additionally, 89% of evening or overnight workers experience problems getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking-up too early.
And 11% of those who work on changing shifts are most likely never waking up feeling refreshed and well rested.
Want to know an even more startling revelation? No less than 96% of respondents between the ages of 25 and 49 indicated that their personal and professional lives could benefit with more and better-quality sleep.
High-intensity roles can and do in fact take a toll on sleep habits, disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Moreover, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, diminish productivity, and heighten the risk of burnout.
Beyond these immediate effects, lack of sleep can lead to health issues like a weakened immune function, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Sleep deprivation can also make one more susceptible to depression and anxiety disorders.
MAXIMISE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY
To combat the challenges faced by being in a high-intensity role, it’s crucial to prioritise sleep and adopt healthy sleep habits. Here are some practical tips to optimise your sleep routine:
Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule for Better Sleep: It might be a lot more difficult to go to bed at a normal hour if you have on-call shifts but try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock and improve the quality of your sleep.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. The Global Sleep Census reported that taking a shower, having a hot drink, or reading a physical book are some of the most common activities before going to bed.
Minimise Screen Usage Before Bed: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with your sleep. Additionally, 84% who use a device for entertainment before bed or watch TV inside or outside the bedroom were more likely to wake up still feeling tired or not refreshed most nights. Consider placing your phone away from the bed or consider using blue light filters on your devices.
Limit Caffeine Intake: The Sleep Census reported that 9 in 10 people consume caffeinated drinks every day, with the highest intake being those ages 34-49. And those who consume 4 or more caffeinated drinks a day were significantly more likely to report experiencing problems getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking up too early most nights. Try avoiding caffeine late in the day as it could interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
Invest in the Best Mattress and Sleep Gear: 93% Malaysians reported never waking up feeling refreshed or feeling rested, which is why it is essential to create a comfortable sleep environment in order to get quality rest. 43% of Sealy customers claim their pillow helps them sleep better while 42% claim their mattress helps them sleep better. Investing in a high-quality mattress and other sleep accessories can drastically improve sleep posture and reduce discomfort.
By prioritising sleep and implementing healthy sleep habits, those in high-intensity or stressful jobs can mitigate the negative effects of sleep deprivation and improve their overall quality of life.
GET THE BEST QUALITY MATTRESS IN MALAYSIA
When it comes to choosing the right mattress, Sealy stands out as a trusted brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation. The Sealy Posturepedic Elevate range, for instance, is designed and built to meet orthopaedically specified criteria, ensuring you wake up feeling alert, energised and ready to take on the day.
A whopping 100% of Malaysian Sealy owners are extremely satisfied with their mattresses. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our mattresses, from design to construction, meets the highest standards of quality and comfort.
Visit your nearest Sealy retail store (Website / Locate Us) to explore a wide range of mattresses and sleep accessories designed to enhance your sleep experience and support your well-being. Our Sealy Sleep Experts would be able to help you find the perfect mattress for your needs, whether you prioritise comfort, back pain relief, or a specific sleep position.
Alternatively, you can take our online Mattress Selector tool to help you pick a mattress based on your sleep habits and buying criteria.
As you navigate the highs and lows of your high-pressure career, remember that your success isn’t just about how well you perform during the day. It’s also about how well you rest at night. With a Sealy, you’re not just investing in a piece of furniture; but your personal well-being.
Take back your highly deserved (and much-needed) sleep today with Sealy. Don’t wait to transform your sleep into a source of strength and rejuvenation! Explore the Sealy range today and take the first step towards unlocking the restful nights and energised mornings that your busy life demands.
[1] Conducted by Quantum Market Research (QMR) through an independent research questionnaire of 20,000 participants across Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan.
