When you’re juggling a job, kids, and all the details of everyday life, sleep feels like a luxury you can afford later, when your kids are grown. Instead of sleeping, parents use those precious few moments they have at the end of the day to catch up on work or take some much needed me-time. But the problems that come with not getting enough sleep won’t simply step aside and wait until retirement. Sleep deprivation magnifies the challenges in an already difficult life. One area where sleep deprivation takes its toll is on our relationships, both at home and in the workplace.
How Working Parents Can Prioritize Sleep
When you think you don’t have time for it is when you need it the most.
March 31, 2020
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Summary.
As a working parent, sleep can feel like a luxury you can afford later. Instead of sleeping, parents use those precious few moments they have at the end of the day to catch up on work or take some much needed me-time. But the problems that come with not getting enough sleep won’t simply step aside and wait until retirement. Sleep deprivation magnifies challenges, both at home and at work.
Lack of sleep can lead to less satisfying relationships with partners and children, and cause more conflict with one’s spouse or partner. At work, poor sleep can cause leaders to engage in more abusive behaviors toward their employees and have damaged relationships with these employees. Sleep-deprived leaders are also less charismatic and generally less effective in their leadership roles.
But you can take steps to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of sleep on a regular basis. Prioritizing consistent, high-quality sleep can help you better navigate the demands of your everyday life, from better interactions with your family to better sleep for your children to better relationships at work.