Jeff Bezos has attributed a focus on sleep directly to his overall health and wellness. After all, when you’re the CEO of Amazon, you’re required to make significant decisions daily.
It’s no secret that Bezos has built a massive net worth of over $95 billion by taking calculated risks, never sacrificing, and always putting the customer first.
What you might not know is that he puts equal focus on his personal health and wellness. Since the early days of Amazon, one key pillar he has touted revolves around the importance of sleep. Correction – the importance of good quality sleep.
After you see Bezos’ four golden sleep rules, we have five tips that can help you improve your sleep health, starting tonight.
#4 Eight Hours A Night Is His Priority
Billionaire, Jeff Bezos, makes eight hours of sleep a priority.
Sleep times vary per age group, and within that age group, per person.
For instance, teenagers (ages 14-17) need 8-10 hours while older adults (65+) require only 7-9 hours.
While the amount of sleep varies, one thing is sure: every person needs enough rest for them to function, and every hour counts towards getting enough sleep cycles in.
For Bezos, that means eight hours is what he requires to feel energized to change the face of commerce; daily.
#3 Cutting Hours Of Sleep Only Creates The Illusion Of Productivity
Studies show that when you reduce your hours of sleep to burn the midnight candle you’re actually doing yourself a major disservice.
Although you have the right intentions thinking you are gaining a few hours of productivity, but the reality is a lack of sleep affects you – and the quality of your output – from head to toe.
From an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes to a weakened immune system, you are not working at your optimal level. That includes your decision-making ability.
Sleep deprivation causes concentration difficulties as well as mood changes. Productivity decreases as the quality of your decisions suffer.
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Coffee drinkers should know that caffeine is not enough to over nullify your body’s need for sleep. There’s a reason that sleep deprivation was once used as a means of torture. It slows down your brain’s processing powers and throws emotions off balance.
Bezos recognizes the importance of making quality choices over quantity in his everyday life.
Being “present” during daily interactions is essential.
It’s reflected not only in his management process but in how well he interacts with others.
Bezos is looking out for his shareholders when he chooses to make a few thoughtful, sound decisions rather than delivering a higher volume of poorly thought out decisions.
#2 He Kept A Sleeping Bag At Work, Seriously
If anyone on the planet knows about sleep deprivation, it’s Jeff Bezos.
Early on, he spent long hours working on Wall Street in computer science. Bezos started bringing a sleeping bag to work for those days (and nights) when the pressure was on.
Science has verified that short naps are indeed beneficial to those who suffer sleep deprivation. Innovative workplaces are increasingly recognizing the benefits of napping.
Companies like Google and Capital One Labs offer nap pods and sleeping nooks. For those that don’t offer this perk, try to find a spot where you can catch a few winks. Let your co-workers know you’ll be taking a power nap. Your mind (and body) will appreciate the reboot.
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#1 Jeff Never Schedules Early Morning Meetings. Under Any Circumstance.
We might not all be the CEO of the most powerful commerce company on the planet. But, we can learn a golden rule from Bezos.
As we age, science shows our sleep pattern changes. With aging, it’s harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
By avoiding early-morning meetings, you’ll also be more likely to enjoy a restorative night’s sleep, as you won’t be worrying about your alarm ringing at 5 am.
Bezos also makes a point of eating a healthy breakfast with his wife every morning.
Ready To Improve Your Own Sleep Health?
If you’re feeling ready to start focusing a bit more on your sleep, we recommend starting simple. We’ve found that incorporating even just two of the below tips can have noticeable effects on your day-to-day energy.
Tip #5: Stay on your sleep schedule. Always.
Remember when your parents made you go to sleep at the same time each night?
It turns out that they knew what they were talking about. Bezos is one of the several successful entrepreneurs that have a bedtime. Bezos’ bedtime is 10 pm. He also gets up at the same time every morning, ensuring he gets 8 hours of sleep. Science shows that developing good “sleep hygiene” is critical to maintaining both mental and physical health. Our bodies crave consistency. It helps our internal systems to prep for the daily grind. No matter what age you are, a schedule is key to our well being.
Tip #4: See The Light
Your body’s internal clock is sensitive to both light and darkness.
Help your body wake up by getting a dose of vitamin D first thing in the morning. Over time, your body will respond to the sun’s rays and naturally wake you up. Open the curtains or have a cup of coffee on your sun-filled patio to cue your brain to start the day.
Tip #3: Dim The Nightlights
Likewise, too much light in the evening signals your brain to stay awake.
At night, dim as many lights as possible. An hour before bedtime, turn off your computer, tablet, cell phone, and TV as your eyes are especially sensitive to the blue light from electronic screens. (If there’s something good on TV at night, DVR it so you can watch it another time.) Pick up a good book.
Tip #2: Netflix Is Great, But Set An Earlier Bedtime
Likewise, too much light in the evening signals your brain to stay awake.
At night, dim as many lights as possible. An hour before bedtime, turn off your computer, tablet, cell phone, and TV as your eyes are especially sensitive to the blue light from electronic screens. (If there’s something good on TV at night, DVR it so you can watch it another time.) Pick up a good book.
Tip #1: The Hardest One Of All – Skip the Snooze Button
Forego the urge to hit the snooze button.
The few moments of extra sleep is not restorative. Instead, set the alarm for 15 minutes before you need to get up and let your body gradually adjust to the morning rhythm. Over time, your goal should be to allow your body to wake up spontaneously. Jeff Bezos never sets the alarm. He’s a big believer in waking up every morning naturally.
Bonus – Like Clockwork: How to Train Your Body for Better Sleep
