THE POWER OF SLEEP Stacy Peterson, a certified Wellness Coach with Mayo Clinic who sees many busy high-travel business leaders in the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program, explains the importance of a good night’s rest and offers tips on achieving it MANY OF US LIKE to brag about getting little sleep under the misguided belief that it makes us appear busy and productive but we’ve learned that going without sleep can make a big impact on our health. Countless studies show how important sleep is to our emotional, mental and physical health. “In our culture, we wear a lack of sleep like a badge of honour,” says Stacy Peterson, NBC-HWC, Wellness Coach in Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Living Center and partner of Mayo Clinic’s Executive Health Program. “But the more we learn about it, the more we see it is so crucial and so important.” It can be tough to get a good night’s sleep, particularly when you’re travelling across time zones or when your work never seems to end. Household responsibilities and family commitments are other areas that many people prioritise over healthy sleep. Throw in a partner’s snoring or unexpected challenges like an illness and quality sleep seems like even more of a myth. The good news is, you’re not doomed to a life of staring at the ceiling night after night. According to Peterson, most people need at least six to eight hours of restful sleep to assist in regulating and restoring the nervous system, muscles and brain. Appropriate sleep has been proven to improve immunity and metabolism, leading to fewer cases of the sniffles and a healthier weight. Lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and stress are also perks that come with healthy sleep. “Think about the times when you haven’t slept. Maybe you’ve pulled an all-nighter, whether that was intentionally or maybe NetJets 39
