Sleep Awareness Week
March 7, 2024
Sleep Awareness Week, March 10-16, 2024, is a great opportunity to recognize the link between sleep and overall wellness. Sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, this week gives attention to the need for quality sleep. In the veterinary field, the challenges that happen each day can be overcome more effectively when consistent quality sleep is part of the routine.
We realize that what happens during working hours may impact the ability to achieve the sleep needed to function well both physically and mentally. Our network of hospitals is supported by regional support teams who are there to provide resources and help design balance for our veterinary staff in their practices to mitigate issues that could cause difficulty sleeping. A 2023 study in the Canadian Veterinary Journal states that “Veterinarians need to be aware of the serious impacts of both acute and chronic sleep insufficiency on their psychological and physical health and cognitive function.”
When we can get a good night's sleep our bodies are physically and mentally set up to tackle the day. Here are some ways to take a big step toward the quality and quantity of sleep that can set you up to take on the ups and downs of any day, provided by the National Sleep Foundation:
- Let in the light: Expose yourself to natural sunlight during the day by going outside, or sitting near a window.
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This consistency will help regulate your body’s internal clock
- Exercise regularly: Try to get your body moving 30 minutes a day 5 days a week
- Regulate mealtimes: Try eating at the same times each day, and steer clear of heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Wind-down: Set up a relaxing pre-sleep bedtime routine to signal your body that it is time to rest. This could include reading, taking a bath, or meditating
- Create a sleep environment: Put down devices an hour before bed (blue light emitted from smartphones/TVs can interfere with sleep regulation). Make your space quiet, cool, and dark. Consider using white noise machines or earplugs to block out unwanted sounds.
There are several apps available that help support sleep regularity:
- Calm: Offers a myriad of tools such as guided meditation, tranquil sleep stories narrated by soothing voices, breathing exercises, and a collection of relaxing music.
- Headspace: Provides guided meditations and mindfulness exercises specifically crafted to induce relaxation and enhance sleep quality. This resource is free for Vetcor team members.
- Sleep cycle: Monitors your nightly sleep patterns, assisting in better understanding and improving your sleep habits.
If you are on Team Vetcor, please reach out to your hospital or regional manager to find out about our employee assistance program that includes resources on wellbeing.
