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A Good Night’s Sleep Can Help In Job Search

After polishing up their resume and selecting the appropriate interview outfit, job seekers who want to make the best impression on potential employers should make sure to get a good night’s sleep.

A positive attitude can be key to landing a job in a highly competitive market and being well rested can help improve your attitude.

“It’s a real Catch 22,” said David Quimby, MD, Spectrum Health Sleep Disorders Centers. “Looking for a job is stressful. Stress can make it hard to sleep at the time when being well rested is more important than ever. Employers are not looking to hire tired or strained looking employees.”

Even working Americans are feeling nervous tension that is impacting their sleep. A 2008 poll by The National Sleep Foundation found that nearly a third of the respondents only get a good night’s sleep a few nights per month.

Lack of sleep also impacts attitudes at work with 40 percent of respondents admitting they become impatient with other employees, 27 percent saying they frequently struggle to concentrate and 20 percent reporting lowered productivity at work.

If stress is likely the cause of restless nights, Quimby has several tips for people struggling to sleep:

  • Avoid caffeine within four to six hours of bedtime
  • Avoid the use of nicotine close to bedtime or during the night
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages within four to six hours of bedtime
  • While a light snack before bedtime can help promote sound sleep, avoid large meals
  • Avoid strenuous activity within six hours of bedtime
  • Minimize light, noise and temperature extremes in your bedroom
  • Try to sleep only when you are drowsy
  • Keep a regular arise time, even on days off and weekends
  • Use your bedroom only for sleep
  • Avoid napping during the day’

If people are still struggling to sleep after trying these tips, Quimby recommends that they consult with their primary care physician or contact the Spectrum Health Sleep Disorders Centers. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 74 percent of Americans suffer debilitating sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, that require medical intervention.

With nine locations for sleep assessment and testing, Spectrum Health’s network of sleep disorders centers is the largest in West Michigan. Spectrum Health also provides the only testing facility in West Michigan dedicated to pediatric patients. Prospective patients can call (616) 391-3759 or 1-888-SLEEPLAB (toll-free), or they can be referred by their primary care physician.

“It’s amazing what a difference a good night’s sleep can make in your attitude and sense of well being,” said Quimby. “A positive attitude makes a good impression on everyone, particularly prospective employers.”

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, a multispecialty team of nearly 100 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need. The organization provided $111.1 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards during the past 10 years.