Bartending – or any other work position in a bar, for that matter – can come with a lot of late nights. You love your work, but like anyone else, you have to take care of your health, and a major part of that is sleep. So, what can you do to maintain a sound sleep schedule while working in the bar industry, and just how much can it make a difference in your well-being?
The Importance Of Sleep For Bartenders
Sleep is crucial for everyone, but for those in the bar industry, there are a number of unique factors that can impact your sleep, causing a need to pay extra attention to sleep hygiene.
Here are some of the possible risks that come with not getting enough sleep:
- A higher risk of getting into a car accident. When it comes to sleep, even a couple of hours too little can put you at an increased risk of getting into a car accident, but the more sleep-deprived you are, the higher your risk becomes.
- Reduced performance at work. Studies reveal that sleep-deprived people show a lower level of productivity and are more likely to have trouble concentrating or focusing, which can make it tough to do your best at your job.
- Compromised physical health. Physical health consequences of not getting enough sleep include but are not limited to higher blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of diabetes.
- Strained mental health. Mental health consequences of not getting enough sleep include but are not limited to a higher risk of anxiety, a higher risk of depression, and mood swings.
It’s vital to take sleep seriously. The good news is that there are some things you can do.
How To Practice Sleep Hygiene In The Bar Industry
Here are some things you can do to improve your sleep hygiene as someone in the bar industry:
● Make it a habit to wind down. If you find yourself with racing thoughts at night, or if you try to fall asleep the moment you get home with no luck, it could be that you aren’t letting yourself wind down enough to get the slumber you need. Meditation, reading, breathing exercises, and even a soothing skincare routine help you destress and clear your mind before bed.
● Re-think the nightcap. Don’t worry; you can still enjoy a drink at other appropriate times. However, if you try to fall asleep with a nightcap and find that you stay awake or have disrupted sleep, it could be that alcohol is interfering with your ability to get rest. Experts say that alcohol can impact both your ability to fall asleep and affect your sleep quality negatively.
● Try to keep a schedule. If your work schedule is irregular, it can affect your sleep. Do the best that you can to keep a consistent sleep schedule, and if nothing else, keep your nighttime routine consistent so that you can signal to your body that it’s time to go to bed.
● Look at your caffeine consumption. As tough as it may be, it might be time to either decrease caffeine or limit it to earlier in your day. When you work nights, you might find yourself drinking coffee or an energy drink during your shift, but it could be what’s keeping you up.
Make sure to talk with your doctor if you struggle with sleep on an ongoing basis. Additionally, consider your mental health. It’s known that anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns can all impact your sleep. If that’s the case, or if you think it might be, getting mental health support can help.
Find Support
Whether you’re in the bar industry or another field, having a place to talk about what’s on your mind matters. A therapist can help with sleep, interpersonal relationships, stress, life transitions, or other concerns affecting your mental health. There are various different ways to find support in the form of a therapist or counselor. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform like BetterHelp. All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are licensed, and it’s a great way for busy professionals to find quality care on their own time. You can also find a number of articles on the BetterHelp website:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/teenagers/how-to-cope-with-alcoholic-parents/. Regardless of how you find support, you deserve to thrive, so don’t hesitate to start the process of finding a therapist or counselor today.
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