We Are Human Leaders Sleep Better, Live and Lead Better with Dr Els van der Helm
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Mar 25, 2025 Dr. Els van der Helm, a renowned sleep neuroscientist and former McKinsey consultant, reveals the profound connection between sleep quality and effective leadership. She discusses how sleep impacts cognitive function and emotional health, emphasizing its crucial role in decision-making. Els explores the challenges posed by technology and offers actionable strategies to improve sleep hygiene. Lastly, she addresses the sleep-productivity paradox, advocating for a cultural shift that prioritizes sleep to enhance overall performance and well-being.
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The Brain's Night Shift
- During sleep, the brain actively organizes memories, repairs neural pathways, and maintains emotional balance.
- Sleep is essential because it reverses the damage caused by wakefulness and prepares us for the next day.
Personalized Sleep Needs
- There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much sleep you need; it's normally distributed.
- Most people need 7-9 hours, and very few (1%) truly function well on six or less.
Leadership's Sleep Ripple Effect
- Well-rested leaders demonstrate better emotional intelligence and stronger decision-making.
- A leader's sleep habits influence their team's sleep and engagement levels, creating a ripple effect.
