Want to be a Great Pharmacist? Get Some Sleep!

To make sure they are performing at their best, pharmacists need to have good sleep habits. Although no formal studies are addressing the relationship between sleep and performance among pharmacists, some research has indicated that heightened fatigue resulting from lack of sleep is a measurable cause of medication error.

And, if the sleep habits of pharmacists mirror that of the general population, about one-third are not getting enough sleep. The average person needs seven to eight hours of quality sleep to perform at his or her best, according to research.

What Sleep Studies Show

Moreover, studies of sleep, in general, show how important it is to cognitive functioning and performance. Lack of sleep can impair memory, affect cognitive functions, and slow thinking overall. Moreover, it can also affect the brain’s ability to learn because, during sleep, the mind is assimilating and consolidating the information and experiences encountered while awake.

Also, a lack of sleep affects alertness, hurting performance, which in turn leads to more mistakes and accidents. Not getting enough sleep also impacts the immune system.

Sleep and Pharmacy Students

Studies also show that pharmacy students are not sleeping enough, either. Many are not getting the recommended seven hours. They are often not aware that they are suffering from sleep deprivation. As a result, the adverse effects build up over time, leading to an overall lack of alertness and higher stress levels.

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Here are some tips on how to improve sleep habits from healthcare experts.

1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. That means going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each morning.
2. Have a bedtime routine. Do something that will start to relax your body and get you ready for sleep. It could be something like reading for a little while, listening to music, or taking a shower. Try to avoid using electronics just before bedtime, as these tend to keep you awake.
3. Exercise daily. This helps you to sleep better.
4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine later in the evening.
5. Use your bed only for sleeping. That is, avoid doing work in bed. If you do this frequently, your mind automatically becomes more alert and awake when you get into bed, rather than becoming relaxed.

At Rx relief, we focus on the elements that make each person unique. We solicit feedback continually to make our service responsive to your needs. Rx relief has been rated among the best of staffing firms by the American Staffing Association. If you are looking for a pharmacy position, give Rx relief a call today.