IMPACT OF PROPER SLEEP ON PERSONAL PERFORMANCE

•  Chronic sleep deprivation is linked with a host of serious health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Sleep has found to be critical to a person's overall well-being and performance.
• A good night’s sleep has been found to be an ideal form of therapy; it can help people deal with, manage, and sort out emotions.
• It even has the potential to reduce some cognitive biases, such as fear and negativity.
• A lack of sleep has a direct, negative impact on a person’s body, mind, and spirit, also affecting emotions, temperament, and self-control.
•  Sufficient sleep generally makes people more relaxed, less anxious, appear more attractive, and it lowers food cravings.
• With adequate sleep, one's body can perform better and has the ability to recover faster.
• We look better, feel better and make better decisions when we are well-rested.
• At Harvard Medical School, the Division of Sleep Medicine reported that persistent sleep issues are also linked to long-term mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and mental distress.
• Lack of sleep affects the immune system, inflammation, cholesterol, metabolism and the hormones that regulate appetite, according to University of Helsinki researchers.
•  Leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone that helps improve weight control, is at a high level among people who sleep eight hours per night.
• The University of Chicago researchers found physical changes from loss of sleep mimic those of aging, including decreases in memory and learning functions.
• When sleep is deprived, people become exhausted sooner because the body is trying to conserve energy.

IMPACT OF PROPER SLEEP ON BUSINESS OR WORK PERFORMANCE

• In a study conducted by RAND, it was determined that insufficient sleep directly leads to 1.2 million missed days of work a year in America. RAND found out that it cost the US economy a staggering $411 billion a year. That’s 2.28% of the nation’s entire GDP.
• On an individual level, that translates to 11 lost days of productivity and $2,280 in lost wages each year.
• Workers who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system, better cognitive function, more energy, and improved memory, attentiveness, alertness, and performance all throughout the day.
• They are better able to acquire and perfect new skills, connect new information with current knowledge, and manage pain as the analgesic aspects of sleep increase pain thresholds.
• Moreover, and perhaps of most interest to organizations, increased sleep tends to cause individuals to be happier, more engaged, and more creative.
• In a study, 72% of managers noted the difficulty in concentrating due to a lack of sleep.
• Results indicate that the executive control functions of decision-making, creativity, processing, adaptability, learning, and control of emotions, performed by the pre-frontal cortex within the brain, are all highly impacted by sleep loss.
• From an organizational perspective, a lack of sleep often has a direct impact on workplace performance.
• People’s ability to learn, concentrate and retain information is greatly impacted by how well-rested they are.
• Insufficient sleep causes individuals to be more emotionally unstable, or moody and has been tied to aggression.
• Nearly half of Americans report that low-quality or insufficient sleep interferes with their daily work life at least once a week. Sleep deprivation makes us 20-30% more prone to error, procrastination, or the sluggishness that blocks our creativity.
•  Workers with insomnia or insufficient sleep experienced the steepest productivity losses.
• Lack of sleep makes us overly sensitive and unable to empathize with others in the workplace.
• People’s ability to learn, concentrate, and retain information is greatly impacted by how well-rested they are.
• Sleep loss makes workers spend nearly three times as much of their day on just time management alone. Sleep-deprived workers were also less motivated and had difficulty focusing, remembering things, and making good decisions.

Impact Of Meditation/ Mindfulness on Personal and Business Performance of an Entrepreneur/ Business

• A research study titled "Using IT Mindfulness to Mitigate the Negative Consequences of Technostress" found that there was a positive connection between mindfulness in IT and the mechanism for the reduction of technostress.
• The research demonstrated that being mindful can greatly help to reduce instances of technostress.
• The study which was based on a survey-based approach on 440 working individuals, revealed that "IT mindfulness constitutes a potential further mechanism that can effectively reduce technostress conditions, enhance user satisfaction while utilizing ICT’s for work tasks and improve task performance."
• A similar study published in 2017, observed that "mindfulness meditation is a technique that has been found to significantly reduce pain in experimental and clinical settings."
• The study revealed that "mindfulness meditation significantly attenuates pain through multiple, unique mechanisms—an important consideration for the millions of chronic pain patients seeking narcotic-free, self-facilitated pain therapy."
• Another research study was conducted over women who had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (from stage 0 to stage 3) before the age of 50 and had finished treatment from 3 months to 10 years ago revealed that mindful awareness practices significantly reduced stress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, and marginally reduced depressive symptoms. Conversely, they significantly increased positive effect, peace and meaning.

Effect Of Meditation/ Mindfulness on Employees and Their Work Performance:

• The results of a research study conducted that surveyed 30,665 patients who had undergone meditation practice revealed that they were significantly predictive of work engagement, subjective to job performance, and had improved job satisfaction.
• The results indicated that meditation practice may positively influence job performance, including job satisfaction, subjective job performance, and work engagement.
• A 12-week pilot study that involved 239 employees of an American insurance company, in which 96 participants were randomly assigned to the mindfulness group, 90 to the yoga-based meditation group, and 53 to the control group also sort to reveal the impact of meditation on employee performance.
• The mindfulness group underwent 14 hours of training for stress management over 12 weeks and 2 hours of intensive training at the 10th week, together with 5 to 15 minutes assigned for daily home practice. 45 participants in the yoga-based meditation group received a handout only, while the other half of this group received a handout and a digital video disc for learning the program.
• A baseline measurement was taken, as well as a post test within two weeks of the final class, reporting amelioration of sleep quality and autonomic balance within the intervention groups.
• Their improved physical health increased work productivity and lowered occupational risks.
• As published by Life in 2016, meditation benefits have also been proven to help resolve workplace conflicts.
• Mindfulness practices equip employees with better conflict management and interpersonal skills that make resolving issues easier for employees and managers alike.
• According to Fortune, the meditation and mindfulness industry was worth about $1 billion in 2015.
• In that year, about 25% of employers offered mindfulness training to their employees.
• Meditation is a fast-growing industry. In 2018 meditation services are expected to generate $1.15 billion to the US economy.
• A new comprehensive analysis of mindfulness research, co-directed by a management scientist at Case Western Reserve University, suggests that injecting a "corporate culture of mindfulness not only improves focus but the ability to manage stress while enabling employees work together.
• Mindfulness meditation, in particular, has captured the attention of business leaders, U.S. Congressmen, military commanders, and professional sports teams. There is also a growing list of companies that have adopted mindfulness practices into their stress reduction programs, including Google, Apple, Facebook, LinkedIn, Intel, Aetna, General Mills, Blackrock, Green Mountain Coffee, and Eileen Fisher.
• According to a 2016 review by David Creswell of Carnegie Mellon University, based on some of the most reliable studies mindfulness can help with depression, pain management, and substance abuse outcomes.

1. IMPACT OF REGULAR EXERCISE ON PERSONAL PERFORMANCE OF AN ENTREPRENEUR/BUSINESS

• Exercise controls weight and keeps the participants (including entrepreneurs) healthier.
• Several studies reveal that an increase in creativity, concentration, as well as a boost in personal problem-solving skills, etc., are associated with entrepreneurs that engage in regular exercise.
• Exercise is known to combat health conditions as well as diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Exercising regularly boosts high-density in lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol and lowers unhealthy triglycerides.
• Exercise keeps the blood flowing smoothly and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Entrepreneurs that exercise multiple times a week are mentally sharp and also operate with improved focus when compared to those who do not exercise regularly.
• Exercising regularly helps entrepreneurs to develop a "laser-like focus and attention."
• Not consistently exercising does not only affect individual health. It also affects relationships.
• Regular exercise fights several adverse health conditions such or reduces the occurrence of stroke metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, several types of cancer, arthritis, and falls.
• Exercising together can help improve the connection with family or friends as well as others in a social setting.
• Regular exercise is known to boost mood and improve the sexual life of people.
• Branson, a famous billionaire, reveals that he would not have been so successful and happy in his personal life without the importance he has placed on his health and fitness.
• A journal of the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health reveals that physical activities (exercise) improve cognition in adults.
• About "7% increase in aerobic fitness" is noticed among people who adhere to exercise for a period of three months regularly.
• The Journal of Business Venturing reveals that sleep combined with a mindfulness exercise, is known to lower entrepreneurs' exhaustion.

2. IMPACT OF REGULAR EXERCISE ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF AN ENTREPRENEUR/BUSINESS

• Entrepreneurs that have launched multi-billion dollar businesses and companies reveal that regular exercise happens to be an "integral part of their success."
• Not consistently exercising does not only affect the health. It also affects businesses.
• Multi-billion-dollar-worth entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, and Tim Cook all have in one thing in common and its regular exercise. This suggests that regular exercise may have a suitable impact on the performance of entrepreneurs/businesses.
• Branson, a popular billionaire, reveals that he would not have been so successful in his career without the importance he has placed on his health and fitness. 

METHODOLOGY

IMPACT ON PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

QUANTITATIVE

• A study of the owner-managers of 2,820 Chinese firms looked at the impact of peer groups on business performance. The study observed an 8.1% increase in firm revenue, as well as significantly increased profits, increased business size, development of business partnerships and a higher management score. The positive effects were still observed one year after the conclusion of the meetings. A higher quality peer group resulted in higher growth.

• The study concluded that the peer groups helped the owner-managers overcome gaps in knowledge that could only be learned through experience, and this contributed to the positive results. 

• A 2012 study found that when a business had good peer support programs in place, the participants were more likely to remain in their employment. High employee turnover impacts on the financial performance of a business, so the flow-on effect of improved employee retention through peer groups ultimately results in better business performance.

QUALITATIVE 

•  Robert Glazer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Acceleration Partners joined Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), an organization with a membership of around 12,000, focusing on providing peer support. He found that being part of this peer group enabled him to "share business doubts and opportunities". This had a positive flow-on effect on his business performance, including company growth, development of core company values and increasing company revenue.

• A survey by Oracle of European Workers found that 42% of the participants considered the biggest influence on their level of engagement at work was their peers. Employee engagement has flow-on effects in terms of company productivity and success.

IMPACT ON PERSONAL PERFORMANCE

QUANTITATIVE

• The Ontario Initiative showed participants who actively engaged in peer support groups were significantly more likely to obtain jobs, remain in jobs and have improved their personal finances. Those participants that remained involved in the peer groups longer and invested more in the process experienced fewer and less severe mental health problems. 

• A 2013 study expanded on the conclusions of a 2008 study considering the use of peer groups and interventions to reduce the effects of ill health in employment. As a "preventative strategy", the groups were found to reduce the sick leave taken by participants which suggest improved levels of health. Absenteeism decreased by 7% in the group which participated in peer support groups while it increased by 7% in the control group. 

• A 2008 study considered peer groups and support as a means of preventing stress and burnout in physicians. The study found significant positive effects such as reduced exhaustion, depression, and anxiety among those who participated in the groups. Long term effects of participation were also evident with increased professional development and ongoing workplace participation. The cautious inference drawn by the authors was that peer groups assist career progression, although they suggest further research is needed to definitively confirm this. 

• A 2012 study of people with mental health issues found that those who attended peer groups found them useful in reducing "feelings of isolation and self-blame" and adopting strategies to cope at work such as communication and problem-solving skills. This ultimately contributed to improved health outcomes for the participants.

QUALITATIVE 

• In his article Robert Glazer, attributes solid peer groups as having a positive impact on his personal life. He is a "husband and father of three". He describes himself as"happier, healthier, and more engaged with my family."

• The quantitative findings in the Ontario initiative were supported by the qualitative side of the research and concluded that ongoing long term peer groups are associated with ongoing education and employment and an overall improvement in personal performance.

• Participants of the 2008 physician study found that involvement in peer support groups had a positive impact. It contributed to an understanding of the importance of talking to peers and a sense of belonging. The flow-on effect was less stress and burnout, improved sleep quality and increased personal confidence.

• A summary of qualitative studies found that participants in peer groups found them valuable, especially in terms of adopting coping strategies. This had flow-on effects in both their personal lives — health outcomes, family life and financial situation, and their professional lives — job retention and career development and progression. 

RESEARCH STRATEGY

Early Findings

Sleep

• A study published in 2017 found that sleep quality have both positive and negative effects on a person Sleep quality was measured based on the factors of subjective quality, restfulness, ease of falling asleep, ease of waking, and feeling rested. The results revealed that good sleep quality enables people to better deal with stress, while poor sleep quality "worsens the negative outcomes associated with stress by making an individual cognitively, emotionally, and physiologically more vulnerable to stressful events."
• The study found that better sleep quality predicted better positive effects between individuals and lower negative effects overall.
• According to the study, sleep quality and quantity both have major impacts on "employee performance, safety, health, and attitudes."

Meditation/Mindfulness

• One study on mindfulness and leadership in Australia found that there was a positive relationship between being mindful, "leadership self‐mastery and leadership organizational‐transformation."
• Additionally, another study that looked at the possible connection between mindfulness in IT and the reduction of technostress revealed that mindfulness is the gateway to reducing incidences related to technostress.

Exercise

• A study of 80 executives that wanted to confirm how exercising and fitness can boost work performance found that exercises had a "22% increase in fitness and a 70% improvement in the ability to make complex decisions compared to sedentary peers."
• One of the reasons for this may be that exercise improves blood flow which can, in turn, improve neurological function.
• Total Wellness allows employees to exercise for 30 minutes each workday as they observe the benefits.
• According to Forbes, some areas that show improvement in exercising include social connections, stress relief, heart health, energy, weight management, and productivity.

Peer Groups

• A study published in late 2017 found that companies that developed relationships between coworkers increased revenue, profits, and management score, among other metrics.

Intimate Relationships

• While the initial research regarding a study that was meant to reveal the relationship between intimate relationship and business performance the research suggested that the people who surround a person will impact business success since people often rub off on each other.

HELPFUL FINDINGS

Health

• According to an article by HuffPost, people who are happy and report high life satisfaction tend to be healthier.
• The American Psychological Association published research in which they stated that having a happy partner could be good for the people's health among middle-aged and older adults (aged 50 to 94.)
• According to the research people with happy spouses were much more likely to report better health over time.
• Happy partners likely provide stronger social support compared to unhappy partners.
• Being with a happy partner should make a person’s life better in general.

Less stress

• An article published in Northwestern Medicine, suggests that being in a committed relationship is linked to less production of cortisol, a stress hormone, meaning less stress in their daily life.

Better Healing

• According to research, single patients that are in a healthy relationship are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery.

Healthier Behaviors

• There is a high chance to follow a healthy lifestyle if an individual is in a relationship because their partner is more likely to influence their habits positively. (i.e. quit smoking, etc).

Greater Sense of Purpose

• Being in a loving relationship, no matter what kind, can give a person a sense of well-being and purpose. The research study suggests that it could add years to a person's life.

Longer Life

• Research suggest that having healthy social relationships has a huge impact on avoiding early death than taking blood pressure medication or being exposed to air pollution.

Impact Of Happy Intimate Relationships on the Business Performance Of an Entrepreneur/Business.

Healthier Lives

• According to research, there is a direct relationship between happy people and a satisfying job.

• Research suggests that happy employees are more likely to live longer and healthier lives and become more productive in their business/jobs.

Growth and Innovation

• A report by Entrepreneur indicates that authentic business relationships stimulate growth and innovation, while advancing commerce and benefits all.
• The MHA’s Work Health Survey revealed that unhealthy relationships in the workspace produce unhappiness in the workspace resulting in low productivity and intentions to quit.
• According to the survey, "73% of employees experienced isolation because of a hostile work environment, with 63% stating that work stress negatively affected their mental and physical health. Not surprisingly, 71% of employees reported speaking poorly of their organization (including boss and co-workers) and wanting to leave their jobs."
• Besides, social interactions with coworkers boost the sharing of new ideas and providing feedback, resulting in good communication with teamwork that could lead to encouraging them to collaborate and communicate with each other.
•  Collaborative and communicative teamwork has been found to work more efficiently.

Job satisfaction

• The benefits of good working relationships include a higher level of innovation and creativity, the ability to focus on opportunities, good work relationships, high level of cooperation and they are more likely to accept changes in the organization.

Research Strategy: