We all know there are positive health benefits to getting a good night’s sleep, but recent research indicates that there is also a correlation between sleep and income. So, what exactly is this link, and how can improving your sleep lead to a better quality of life?
Sleep Research
In the National Health Interview Survey, the CDC reported a relationship between better sleep and higher income. According to their research, approximately two-thirds of people living below the federal poverty line ($23,550 for a family of four in 2013) reported getting more than 6 hours of sleep on any given night.
In comparison, almost three-quarters of those with incomes at 400% above the poverty level ($94,200 for a family of four) indicated that they were regularly getting at least 6 hours of sleep in a night.
The CDC has gone as far as to label sleep deficiency as a “public health epidemic.” The link between lack of sleep and serious health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and obesity has been well documented. But what is the tie between sleep and income?
How Does Good Sleep Lead to Good Performance?
Certainly, those with very high income have an edge when it comes to getting better sleep. They often employ others to deal with the mundane, day-to-day activities like housecleaning or laundry that can bog us down. These individuals also have fewer worries when it comes to paying for their children’s college tuition or saving for retirement. However, there’s more to the story.
The overly wealthy are not the only ones getting more sleep and reaping the benefits. Quality sleep is tied to better productivity. Therefore, a case could be made to say that quality sleep leads to better performance at work, which in turn leads to a higher salary. Even if you are not looking to up your paycheck, there are plenty of reasons to get more of rest.
Sleep affects almost everything we do, so it makes sense to try to improve sleep quality. The Sleep Division at Harvard Medical School reports that lack of sleep can impair physical performance and memory, making mistakes more likely to happen. The better your sleep, the better your productivity.
Improving the Quality of Your Sleep
At bedtime, limit your distractions: turn the lights down or off, turn the TV off and set a comfortable temperature for your home.
Even when you have properly prepared for a good night’s sleep, getting the shut-eye you need is not always easy. Some conditions, such as snoring and sleep apnea, can impact your sleep in a profound way.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition which causes short pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while sleeping, can lead to even more significant sleep problems. Numerous medical studies have linked sleep apnea to poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and even significant health problems. While not all snoring is the result of sleep apnea, it’s important to visit a sleep specialist for a medical evaluation.
If you think snoring impacts your sleep quality, take our snore quiz to find out if you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Don’t allow poor sleep quality to negatively affect your work performance or financial potential. Learn more about your sleep condition and speak with one of our board-certified sleep specialists by making an appointment.