Happy Wednesday!

As we adjust to Sunday’s time change and recognize Sleep Awareness Week, it’s a great reminder of how essential sleep is to feeling and performing our best. This week, we’re highlighting small steps that can make a big difference in employee well-being.

Why the Time Change Hits Employees Hard

The one-hour jump disrupts your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy, and focus. Sleep Awareness Week highlights how proper rest directly supports mood, cognitive performance, and long-term health—all factors that influence our workday effectiveness.

This can lead to:

• Slower thinking or difficulty concentrating
• Lower motivation
• Increased stress reactivity
• Reduced productivity and creativity

Even small improvements in sleep can help the whole team feel more energized and engaged.

Quick, Work-Friendly Tips to Get Back on Track

These small habits can have a big impact on how you feel during the workday:

1. Get Morning Light Before Starting Work

Light exposure helps “reset” your internal clock after DST, improving alertness and mood.

2. Stick to a Consistent Wake-Up Time

Even if you’re tired, consistency helps your body adjust faster—meaning less sluggishness mid-week.

3. Keep Caffeine to Morning Hours

Caffeine late in the day can make post-DST sleep loss worse. Cutting off after lunch supports better sleep tonight.

4. Build a Simple Wind-Down Routine

Aim to relax 20–30 minutes before bed. World Sleep Day emphasizes how routine and sleep habits support high-quality rest.

5. Step Away from Screens Before Bed

Digital devices delay melatonin, making it even harder to adjust to the time change.

A Mini Reset for the Workweek

Try this 2-minute-a-day “Sleep Reset” challenge to help your workdays feel smoother:

• Today: Go to bed 15 minutes earlier
• Tomorrow: Get 10 minutes of sunlight before work
• Following Night: Power down screens 30 minutes before bedtime
• Weekend: Add one relaxing habit (stretching, warm shower, reading)

This aligns with Sleep Awareness Week’s message that better daily habits lead to measurable improvements in well-being and performance.

Why This Matters for Us as a Company

Better sleep doesn’t just help you feel better—it helps us thrive as a company.

• Well-rested employees communicate more clearly
• Productivity and creativity increase
• Mistakes and stress drop
• Mood and collaboration improve

Supporting healthy sleep isn’t just a wellness initiative, it’s a performance booster.

Do you have an idea to share? Let us know in the comments or send it to wellness@nussbaum.com!