I’m not a morning person. I’ve never been one; and when I do need to wake up early, that’s not because I want to – that’s because I have to.
Working on my business, I often sleep around 1 or 2 AM. I used to wake up around 8 or 9 AM, so that’s a good 7 hour-sleep for me. But that’s before my first child was born. After many sleepless nights, I am getting used to get little sleep – and wake up refreshed. I now have 2 kids – so I need to wake up around 6 AM to help my wife and kids to get prepared for school. Well, I like to help, but I don’t like waking up early.
The big question is, how’s my rather awkward sleep arrangement impact productivity?
Well, let’s just say that I have found ways to get the most of my sleep. Doctors won’t agree with me, as I am clearly suffering from a lack of sleep. No matter how I try hard to deny, they are right.
My 4 to 5 hours of sleep per day is simply not enough. I am actually getting used to my sleep rhythm – but that doesn’t mean that sleep deprivation has no impact on me.
To say the least, I often lose my focus. I tend to get irritated easily, especially when my sites are experiencing some problems (I run online business, and problems come in many forms – and everyday there is a new challenge for me.)
So, how can I deal with all this mess? It’s simple, really. All I need to do is to get more sleep. Seriously.
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that – you are talking about the challenges of my work; you are talking about my sleep habit.
I struggle to find a way, but I see some light at the end of the tunnel: If I want to sleep better and improve my productivity, I need to understand my alarm clock personality.
Yes, you read that right: Alarm clock personality.
OnlineClock.net, one of the most interesting online alarm clock sites I’ve ever visited, have just published an equally-interesting infographic which can help you identify your alarm clock personality. I’m not sure about the scientific nature of the findings, but it’s fun to know, to say the least!
You can watch the video version of the infographic here – pretty interesting, I must say:
Okay, I am definitely the 11 O’clock guy: The Chubby Undersleeper. I sleep 5 or less hours a night and yes, I tend to eat late night snacks. I am also the 1 O’clock guy: The Mobile Phone Addict. Yes, I use my mobile phone as an alarm clock.
So, what knowing my alarm clock personality is useful for? Well, the infographic is for fun, so… but seriously, I can make the most of who I am, according to the infographic.
As I use my mobile phone as an alarm clock, I can just set an alarm to let me know when I should stop working and go sleep.
I can also use mobile apps to help me regulate my sleep pattern, as well as getting the most of my sleep. Alarm clock apps, power nap apps like Sleep Genius, and other sleep-related apps can help me claim back my sleep and productivity.
Resources
Here are some resources which can help you (and me!) combat sleep deprivation and boost your productivity – which quite possible bring you business success:
Entrepreneurial Insomnia: How to Shut Off Your Brain When You Can’t Stop Thinking
Peter Shallard said, “The gung-ho hack-all-night attitude of startup culture isn’t a smart one.” Indeed, sleep is really important for the kind of mental function you need as an entrepreneur. Learn how to combat your Entrepreneurial Insomnia from this article.
How to Sleep Better as an Entrepreneur
Your philosophy – “hustle now, be healthy later” – achieved by deliberately missing sleep may cause subtle and not-so-subtle effects on your performance as a business owner.
3 Bad Sleep Habits You Need to Break
Entrepreneurs – here are three bad habits you’ll need to break, if you want to improve the quality of your sleep.
Entrepreneurs And Sleep Deprivation
You may think that by working extra long hours you are getting ahead but sooner or later, it will eventually catch up to you and cause you more problems than it’s really worth.
Takeaway
No matter what kind of alarm clock personality you have, there’s one thing you and I should do, for sure: Get enough sleep.
There is a plethora of benefits you can enjoy when you are having adequate sleep: Better mood, better focus and better decision making – among many other benefits. I’d say that pursuing a good night sleep is a worthy endeavour.
Before you go, check out this video – also from OnlineClock.net – to brighten up your day :)
So, what’s your alarm clock personality type? How can it impact your sleep and productivity? Please share your thoughts by leaving your comment below.