The demands and pressures of being a political leader may take a toll on the person’s sleep and rest. Former president Barack Obama, for instance, says he schedules at least six hours of sleep every night. However, this isn’t always achievable with the grueling schedules of being a president.
Importance of Sleep
Importance of SleepFor any political leader or for any individual in every walk of life, having adequate sleep and rest is crucial for one to function at an optimal level. However, sleep doesn’t come fast and easy for many which results in inadequate rest and exhaustion.
Providentially, there are sleeping aids that could help people fall asleep faster as well as improve the quality of sleep. For instance, Hibernate, a bodybuilding sleep supplement made from various herbs, minerals and vitamins is formulated to give body builders as well as fitness enthusiasts that sleep and rest needed for muscle recovery. Moreover, this bodybuilding sleep supplement also helps in improving the quality of sleep of users to promote muscle growth.
Benefits of Adequate Sleep
Severe sleep deprivation is something that political leaders should avoid. As the political landscape often entails important decision making processes, one should have good cognitive functioning so as to avoid any errors or mistakes. When one is sleep deprived, they become irritable, experience mood swings and this impairs cognitive functioning, communication, coordination, and most importantly their capacity to make judicious decisions. For example, individuals who are deprived of sleep become less flexible and less able to handle or deal with unexpected and sudden changes in set plans or course of action.
With that, it is then imperative not only for political leader but for everyone to get enough sleep and rest to reap the many benefits it offers. Below are some:
- Better focus and increased productivity
- Improved emotional and social intelligence
- Improved physical and mental performance
- Better regulation of calories which lowers risk of weight gain
- Prevents stress, anxiety and depression
- Improved immune system
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleep quantity varies by age so as to have better and proper physical and psychological functioning.
- 0 to 3 months old: 14 to 17 hours
- 4 to 12 months old: 12 to 16 hours
- 1 to 2 years old: 11 to 14 hours
- 3 to 5 years old: 10 to 13 hours
- 6 to 12 years old: 9 to 12 hours
- 13 to 18 years old: 8 to 10 hours
- 18 to 60 years old: at least 7 hours
- 61 to 64 years old: 7 to 9 hours
- 65+ years old: 7 to 8 hours