Image via WikipediaI have instinctively known these things. I am a good sleeper. Thanks for the confirmation. I am actually way up there with the violinists.Harvard Business Review: Sleep is More Important than Food: When researchers put test subjects in environments without clocks or windows and ask them to sleep any time they feel tired, 95 percent sleep between seven and eight hours out of every 24. Another 2.5 percent sleep more than eight hours. That means just 2.5 percent of us require less than 7 hours of sleep a night to feel fully rested. That's 1 out of every 40 people. ...... When I ask people in my talks how many had fewer than 7 hours of sleep several nights during the past week, the vast majority raise their hands. ...... We've literally lost touch with what it feels like to be fully awake. ...... In Anders Ericcson's famous study of violinists, the top performers slept an average of 8 ½ hours out of every 24, including a 20 to 30 minute midafternoon nap some 2 hours a day more than the average American. ...... The top violinists also reported that except for practice itself, sleep was second most important factor in improving as violinists. ...... I go to great lengths to assure that I get at least 8 hours every night, and ideally between 8 ½ and 9, even when I'm traveling. ...... the overnight "redeye" from California to New York, but I'm asleep by takeoff — even if takes an Ambien. When I get home at 6 or 7 a.m., I go right to bed until I've had my 8 hours. What I've learned about those days is that I'd rather work at 100 percent for 5 or 6 hours, than at 60 percent for 8 or 9 hours. ..... Go to bed earlier — and at a set time. ..... Start winding down at least 45 minutes before you turn out the light. You won't fall asleep if you're all wound up from answering email, or doing other work. Create a ritual around drinking a cup of herbal tea, or listening to music that helps you relax, or reading a dull book. ...... Write down what's on your mind — especially unfinished to-do's and unresolved issues — just before you go to bed.
