A study shows everyday habits, like sleeping, can actually play a key role in your relationships. New research at Arizona State University and the University of San Diego shows everyday habits such as sleep, physical activity and diet play an important role in shaping emotional regulation and communication within families and at work. The research challenges the idea that relationship problems are driven solely by communication styles or personality differences.
Dr. Christopher Neck, Professor at the W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the sleep study’s results.
Neck said lack of sleep affects people’s emotions, which can lead to arguments with family members and coworkers.
“The first step of leadership is the night before,” Neck said. “Say you’re the boss and you come in and you haven’t slept well, you are going to be less understanding with your employees, you’re going to be less patient with your coworkers and you’re not going to perform.”
Neck said those who are consistently sleeping, eating and exercising well have an edge in the workplace and more likely to overcome obstacles to their goals.
“Your body does not like chaos, your body wants routine. Routine allows you to refuel and reenergize for the next day,” Neck said.
Neck advised people to refrain from doing a rigorous workout and eating less than three hours before bed, as to not disrupt sleep. He also said this routine impacts communication skills and the ability to work towards one’s career.
“Whatever ladder you’re trying to climb, whether you want to be the best interviewer in the world, you want to be a rockstar, you want to be a supermodel, you want to be a doctor,” Neck said. “If you’re not sleeping well, you’re not eating appropriate and you’re not exercising, you’re going to have trouble getting up that ladder.”
