According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute(2022), sleep deprivation is not only for not sleeping enough. Sleep deficiency is a broader cincept: when people experience it includes situations in which you sleep at the wrong time, have trouble sleeping well or obtaining all the necessary types of sleep, or suffer from a sleep disorder that hinders your ability to sleep sufficiently or effectively.
Based on my study survey(2023) by 30 college students, Most the answer for their definition of study-life balance are work-life balance is the ability to balance between work and your life outside of work while maintaining a good physical and mental health, which means should be able to do the things we want to do through the day but still have time for school, work, gym and time to yourself and maintaining your natural life routines but also getting required work done productively.
Some reason that sleep deprivation and poor work-life balance happen?
In my opinion, some reasons that sleep deprivation and poor work-life balance happen might be happening for two types of reasons. First, it is from personal reasons, like people who are lazy for doing their work until the last minute and forced themselves to sleep to finish their work. Next reason is external reasons, it might be increased outside work responsibilities and family responsibilities.
obtained the previous two big ideas, According to Marisa Sanfilippo(2023) , there is a list of reasons that sleep deprivation and poor work-life balance happen.
- Increased responsibilities at work.
- Working longer hours.
- Increased responsibilities at home.
- Having children.
Increased responsibilities at work will influence adults, especially women because when an individual’s job responsibilities increase, it can lead to more time spent at work and less time for personal activities.
Also according to Eric Suni(2022), “Are more frequently used to describe factors that reduce the quantity and/or quality of sleep and keep a person from waking up refreshed.” This is the example why Eric Suni wrote that:a person who sleeps for a total of eight hours but with many awakenings that fragment their sleep may have insufficient sleep even though their sleep duration technically meets the recommended amount.
Effects of sleep deprivation and poor work-life balance on people
For the effects of sleep deprivation and poor work-life balance on people, I think there will be a distinction between two different types:the short-term influence and long-term influence. From William D.S. Killgore(2010) “When deprived of Sufficient sleep, most of us feel sleepy and physically drained, our mood is noticeably flattened if not somewhat dour, and our thinking feels sluggish and unfocused.” Also in long-term influence, Some professors of Maryville University and Sandee LaMotte(2022) list some long term influence:
- Weakened immune systems, making people more susceptible to colds, headaches, and muscle pains
- Heightened fatigue
- Increased risk of stroke
- Doubled risk of a heart attack
- risk of obesity
- dementia
- mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The Solution for sleep deprivation and keep on good work-life balance
There will be very easy to help people to get rid for sleep deprivation and keep on good work-life balance,Marisa Sanfilippo(2023),Eric Suni(2022) mention that
- It is important to accept that there is no perfect work-life balance and prioritize one’s health by finding a job they love, taking vacations , setting boundaries and work hours, and making time for oneself and loved ones.
- recommends having a consistent sleep schedule, setting boundaries in work and social life, and having a bedtime routine to promote good sleep habits.
- Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine Before Four-SIX HOURS.
- Avoid exercise or large meals before two hours.
- avoid taking a nap after 3 P.M.
Conclusion
By understanding what is sleep deprivation and work-life balance,the reasons and the influence will cause these issues and by utilizing efficient techniques to manage their time, individuals can achieve a sense of equilibrium between their professional and personal responsibilities, while also preventing the negative consequences of sleep deprivation. This can enable them to maintain a positive work-life balance, leading to better physical and mental health and an overall improvement in their quality of life.