The 7 Sleep Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs
We all know lack of sleep is harmful to our health -- sleep affects mood, increases risk of psychiatric disorders and depression, cardiovascular disease and lowers immune system health. Yet the stress of running a company and long working hours means entrepreneurs often find themselves functioning on little sleep. Evanston, Ill.-based sleep expert Dr. Lisa Shives says getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is a critical component of entrepreneurs' business success. "Sleep affects our executive function; the area of the brain responsible for decision making, creative thinking, memory and reaction time," says Shives. Follow these seven sleep habits and dream your way to business success: 1. Avoid alcohol before bedtime. While alcohol may help you fall asleep, it will affect the quality of your slumber. "Sleep is lighter, you have less REM (the deepest stage of sleep)," says Shives. Alcohol can also wake you up in the middle of the night. "Many pe