Whether you are on the job or looking for work, there is something you are probably not getting enough of – sleep.

In the past, many of us shortchanged ourselves on sleep, thinking it was no big deal. But as science has studied the nature of sleep, researchers have come to realize how necessary sleep is to our functioning well during our waking hours, and how a lack of sleep can be much more harmful than we realize.

The average American gets about six to six and a half hours of sleep each night, according to business consultant Tony Schwartz. Almost one-third of us get less than that. But research has shown that we need between seven and eight hours each night to be well rested. If we don’t, we have problems physically, mentally and emotionally.

Schwartz cites the case of one banking manager who suffered from lack of sleep, usually fewer than six hours a night. The man’s weight was good, he had no history of heart disease in his family, and he worked out on a routine basis. Yet, he had a mild heart attack at the age of 46.

One reason for the attack may have been lack of sleep. Sleeping fewer than six hours a night increases the chances of a heart attack by almost 50 percent. Plus, the man worked long hours and experienced a great deal of stress.

So, Schwartz advised the man to make some minor changes in his schedule so that he would get seven or more hours of sleep a night. The man did so, and maintained his new routine. The change for him was big and fast – he had more energy during the day and was more focused. He felt less drained after work and spent more time with his family.

Getting more sleep has affected every area of his life. He now is working an hour and half less at work than he had in the past, but says he is actually more productive because he is more focused on the issues on which he needs to focus.

Rest and renewal, two things that we as a society have taken for granted too long, have a deep impact on productivity at work and all-around satisfaction with life, Schwartz says.

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