‘Sleep is free you just have to find ways to do it properly and to get enough of it’
This is a fascinating interview with Giles Watkins author of ‘Positive Sleep’
As a business leader who has experienced sleep problems addressed them successfully and transformed his life Giles discusses with Angela his journey and the reasons why lack of sleep is so devastating and how the right amount and quality of sleep can not only transform your life but give you the competitive edge.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is always a trigger point which marks the beginning of sleep problems and if you are having problems getting to sleep it's very difficult if you are with someone who is not.

Sleep - People underestimate the effects of a lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep and the impact it has on decision making and creativity.

The front part of the brain, the neocortex,  is the part of the brain responsible for executive functions; problem-solving, reasoning, planning and creativity, research suggests this part of the brain is the most affected by sleep or the lack of it.
If you are short of sleep your ability to use your ‘helicopter mode’, looking at the whole problem with an informed overview  becomes compromised
When you are in a good place and have had enough sleep your creativity, pattern recognition and insight development function at optimum levels.

Napping - There has been research  indicating a nap can improve your performance

There are 2 types of naps- the power nap researched by NASA and the optimum time for this is 26 minutes in length. The longer nap is the full 90 minutes a complete sleep cycle.

Beginning the day - There is evidence that when you wake up your brain is still processing the emotions and memories from the previous day.

It can take nearly an hour for the brain to ‘warm-up’ and be ready for the day.
Putting aside time to ‘let the day in’ is important and this time can be effectively spent expressing gratitude and visualising.

Ending the day - You have to get yourself ready for the end of the day and the last 90 minutes of the day are vital.

Have a cut off time for the use of devices and positively complete domestic tasks to ensure things are tidied away and you are in a relaxed state of mind ready to sleep.

Sleep apnoea

It is quite common but many people don’t realise the impact it has. The micro wake-ups mean you are unable to ever reach a level of restorative sleep
To achieve good sleep, you have to look at your lifestyle.
Caffeine can play a major role in sleep issues and giving up or being mindful about your consumption of caffeine can make a difference.
Having access to natural light is another factor required to remain healthy and well. Lack of natural light can also affect sleep patterns and the quality of sleep experienced.

Competitive Edge - When you are really tired you no longer have the capacity to seek different perspectives. It is demotivating for others when as the leader you are not able to cope with different ideas and alternative solutions

Emotionally you are not in a place to support people or cope with the emotions of others
When you have enough and the right quality of sleep you will have a competitive edge
The energy demands on leaders, executives and entrepreneurs are akin to the energy required by athletes.
You need to treat yourself as an athlete and if you get the basics right – sleep, nutrition and movement you are giving yourself a competitive advantage.

 
BEST MOMENTS
‘She encouraged me to find my unique voice and unique position on sleep which is as a business leader who has had a sleep problem and addressed it’
‘The body scanning technique is magic and once you have learnt it you can use it wherever you are’
‘People underestimate the effects of a lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep and the impact on decision making and creativity’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
High Performance Health podcast series
Positive Sleep book by Giles Watkins
Giles Watkins LinkedIn
 
ABOUT THE HOST
Angela Fost