We are all looking for an edge.  Every one of us.  Whether it’s in business, in relationships, sports, recreational activities, or anything else; being the best we can be at something is important.  But what can we do legally that can help us gain that edge, not only in the workplace, but in the boardroom, in the gym, or on the field?  The answer might surprise you.  Get more sleep.  Yes, scientists and psychologists are finding all different kinds of causal links matching quality sleep to increases in performance, mood, creativity, memory and more. 

Statistics show that a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night is mandatory if you want to be performing at your highest level.  As a matter of fact, numerous studies have linked inadequate sleep to weaker immune systems, diminished resistance to carbs and sugars, decreased mental acuity, and much more.  A quick google search will prove, without a doubt, that the simplest thing you can do for your body and mind to give you an edge, and improve your overall health, is to get the recommended amount of sleep.

But it’s not that easy you are probably saying.  I’m too busy to go to bed early.  I find it hard to sleep at night even when I’m tired.  I’m a night owl and going to bed early is boring.  Well, if any of these excuses hit close to home here are a few tips that can help you fall asleep faster and help you get higher quality sleep at night.

1. No TV or phone use before bed: Yes, if you’re finding it hard to fall asleep at night it might be because you’re checking your Instagram or Facebook page prior to falling asleep. The blue light from your phone can interrupt your natural circadian rhythm and keep you up for an extra 30-45 minutes when all you really want to do is fall asleep.
2. Try and work out in the morning or early evening: When you workout late at night it can be hard for your body to regulate its temperature which can keep you up. Science shows that working out at least an hour before you go to bed can cause you to have a tougher time falling asleep.
3. Your sleep equipment is garbage: Like any good process, you need to have the right tools to be most effective. Your sleep environment isn’t any different.  For the highest quality sleep, your room should be completely dark, the temperature in your room should be between 61 - 65 degrees, you should have a comfortable mattress, and you should be sleeping on a high-quality pillow like the pillows sold at Luxe Pillow.
4. No heavy foods before bedtime: When you down that 5-layer burrito from Taco Bell right before you go to sleep you may be enjoying it at the moment, but that high-calorie burrito can cause you to toss-and-turn at night and will eventually wake you up. When your body is trying to digest high-calorie foods it prevents you from getting into your REM sleep where your brain is most active in forming memories, connections, and recovering from that day’s activities.

Sleep can work wonders for you in many different areas of your life.  You simply need to provide the space and allow the time, to get the appropriate amount of sleep.  You’ll notice the change the very next day.  Sleep is not only free for everyone, available anywhere, fun to try and full of benefits but it also can affect nearly every aspect of your life.  So, take our advice and give better sleep a try.  It’s the best performance enhancer out there; and legal in all 50 states.