Did you know that what you do for a living strongly affects your sleep?
In fact, in some professions, up to 58 percent of people report NOT getting enough sleep. At least, that’s what an eye-opening report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently discovered.
So, let’s talk about the professions with the BEST and WORST track record when it comes to sleep.
And then, I’ll provide a sensible, science-backed, and drug-free way to get your sleep routine back on track…no matter what you do to earn a living!
Let’s get started…
Too many adults fall short on sleep
Science shows most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, according to the CDC’s latest report, about one-third of adults get less than that sensible daily target.
This lack of sleep can cause any number of negative health outcomes—including anxiety, depression, Type II diabetes, and heart disease. It can also increase your risk of getting into an automobile accident, and amplify any stress you may already experience at your job.
Of course, as I mentioned above, people in certain professions are more likely to get less sleep than others.
To delve deeper into this problem, the CDC recently examined people’s sleep habits who work in 29 different professions. Here’s a roundup of the percentage of workers, according to profession, who reported regularly getting less than seven hours of sleep per night:
- Air transportation workers (21 percent)
- Teachers (25 percent)
- Manufacturing workers (30 percent)
- Healthcare professionals (40 percent)
- Law enforcement officers (40 percent)
- Firefighters (46 percent)
- Foodservice workers (49 percent)
- Power and nuclear plant systems operators (50 percent)
- Railroad transportation workers (53 percent)
- Communications equipment operators, such as front desk clerks and switchboard operators (58 percent)
Clearly, people in professions with more flexible schedules and union protection (such as air traffic controllers and teachers) get more sleep. Whereas people working in the fields of nuclear energy and communications—who tend to be “on call” 24/7—suffer from less sleep.
In my view, we should really take steps in each of these professions to help workers improve their sleep patterns. Because, in the end, it benefits not just the workers…but also the employers and the general public, too.
And, thankfully, one simple, science-backed, and drug-free approach can help you achieve just that, no matter your profession…
Ancient therapy helps you catch some ZZZs
Aromatherapy has been effectively used for thousands of years to treat many different ailments—including depression, high blood pressure, and migraines. And it’s finally starting to get the attention it deserves from the scientific community. Especially when it comes to treating insomnia and stress.
The practice of aromatherapy involves applying essential plant oils (the same kinds of oils used to make fragrances) directly to your skin or inhaling them through a mist diffuser.
Applying the oils directly to your skin allows them to travel to your brain in two ways…
First, you’ll inhale some through your nose. And, of course, the upper nasal passages connect directly into the olfactory centers at the front of the brain.
Second, you’ll absorb the oils through your skin, where they enter your bloodstream and travel to the brain.
Then, when the plant compounds in the oils reach your brain, they signal you to relax, fall asleep, and STAY asleep. Simply apply a few drops of the oils directly to your skin at these spots:
- under your nose
- on the sides of your nose
- under your chin
- at the base your ear lobes
- under your jaw
In addition, you can make your own diffuser—and turn it on prior to bedtime, to last through the night—by placing drops of essential plant oils into a glass or ceramic vessel that’s warmed with a votive candle or a low-wattage lightbulb (this type of diffuser is often sold as a kit).
As I often report, research shows these plant oils are the most effective for supporting sleep:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Limonene
- Orange
- Peppermint
I personally like to apply a combination of all five oils, blended with vitamin E in organic coconut and eucalyptus oil, directly onto my skin shortly before, or right at, bedtime. You can also apply (or diffuse) them any time during the day to promote calm and relaxation!
To learn more about how essential oils aid in getting the best sleep of your life, check out the March 2021 issue of my monthly newsletter, Insiders’ Cures (“My ultimate guide to getting a good night’s sleep—naturally”). If you’re not yet a subscriber, now is the perfect time to get started.