Unlock the Power of Sleep with Dr. Els van der Helm
In today's pressurized world of work, leaders often prioritize productivity and performance above all else. Often, sleep is the first thing to be sacrificed in the process. However, in the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, renowned sleep neuroscientist Dr. Els van der Helm reveals the crucial yet often overlooked role of sleep in achieving peak performance. Both individually for leaders, and for teams.
Why does sleep matter to performance so much?
Contrary to the popular belief that sleep is wasted time, Dr. van der Helm underscores sleep's vital role in cognitive function and emotional well-being. She highlights how the brain is actively working during sleep, processing memories, consolidating learning, and regulating emotions. She shares how sleep deprivation has significant downstream effects. A lack of sufficient sleep impacts not only the individual but affects the entire team, lowering engagement and ultimately impacting performance.
Does one size fit all when it comes to sleep?
Another common misconception is that sleep needs are uniform and we should all be getting 8 hours a night. Dr. van der Helm refutes the idea of a "one-size-fits-all" approach, emphasizing the importance of identifying individual chronotypes and understanding personal sleep needs. According to the research, Dr. van der Helm shares that "The majority of people need seven to nine hours of sleep a night." This isn't simply a matter of individual productivity, but also team dynamics and overall well-being.
Moreover, the integration of technology into our lives is impacting sleep, sometimes negatively. Dr. van der Helm highlights that the challenge is discerning the right ways to leverage technology to help you unwind, and to avoid sleep displacement.
Want to regulate your emotions better? Here’s why sleep matters
This impactful conversation also reveals the crucial role of sleep in emotional regulation and resilience.
"Sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. It affects our ability to process and manage emotions," explains Dr. van der Helm.
This is particularly relevant for leaders constantly navigating high-pressure situations and complex decisions. The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation extend beyond individual leaders to affect entire teams. "When a leader does not sleep well, their team usually doesn’t get enough sleep, and engagement in their team also drops."
Ultimately, Dr. van der Helm’s message is clear: Prioritizing sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for leaders seeking to foster high-performance teams. By understanding the science of sleep, embracing individual needs, and facilitating open conversations, leaders can unlock the untapped potential within themselves and their organizations.
