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In recognition of Better Sleep Month, May is a great time to reflect on the role sleep plays in our overall well-being. Sleep is one of the most impactful habits people can develop, yet despite widespread awareness of its importance, it is often the first thing sacrificed when other priorities take over. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are both immediate and foundational, supporting nearly every system in the body and contributing to mental and physical health. Healthy sleep involves more than just logging enough hours—It means experiencing rest that is truly restorative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults age 18 and older get at least seven hours of sleep each night to maintain their wellness. When work, busy schedules, and stress interfere with rest, a vicious cycle can emerge where people work harder to compensate for lost productivity, only to sacrifice even more sleep. Over time, this pattern can undermine energy, focus, learning, memory, and long-term health. Prioritizing sleep is essential to breaking this cycle and supporting sustained well-being for both individuals and teams.

Why sleep belongs in your wellness strategy

The CDC links adequate sleep to a lower risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Similarly, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that regularly getting fewer than five hours of sleep per night is associated with a significantly higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

When employees sleep well, they show up with more consistent energy, a better mood, and the ability to stay focused and engaged. Sleep quality also plays a critical role in how the brain processes and retains information—particularly during REM sleep, when learning and memory are strengthened, according to the Sleep Foundation.

How poor sleep can impact employees (and teams)

Occasional restless nights happen—but chronic sleep loss can add up. At work, the impact is often visible in day-to-day performance—fatigue, slower reaction time, more errors, and difficulty staying alert. Over time, ongoing sleep deprivation can also take a toll on mental health, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Tips for implementing a sleep-focused wellness initiative at work

If you’re launching a sleep wellness initiative, these ideas may help you get started:

• Start with listening. Consider offering a pulse survey to identify common sleep barriers and understand what support employees need most.
• Make it normal. Demonstrate leadership support by encouraging leaders to protect boundaries—including limiting late-night emails, setting realistic deadlines, and improving meeting practices—to support employees with maintaining consistent schedules.
• Offer education. Build education into existing channels by integrating sleep education into newsletters, wellness campaigns, and team communications to keep the topic visible and consistent.
• Consider the environment. If possible, create spaces in the office for rest and focus, such as quiet areas for short breaks. Outside of the office, set realistic expectations around after-hours responsiveness.

Employee-friendly sleep strategies to share

Consider sharing the tips below as part of your initiative to help employees improve their sleeping habits.

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule. If possible, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. Try to get natural light early in the day, and keep naps short.
• Create a wind-down routine. Try stretching, deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or reading—anything that helps signal to the body that it’s time for rest.
• Set up a sleep-friendly space. Reserve the bedroom for sleep when possible, and keep it cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable.
• Reduce screen time before bed. Avoid phones, tablets, and laptops for at least 30 minutes before sleep, as blue light can suppress melatonin and disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.
• Move daily. Regular physical activity can make it easier to fall asleep and improve sleep quality. Aim to avoid vigorous exercise too close to bedtime if sleep is impacted.
• Pay attention to timing. Eat balanced meals, consume caffeine earlier in the day, and limit alcohol and nicotine—especially in the evening.
• Know when to get support. If sleep issues are persistent or affecting daily life, encourage employees to talk with a health care provider. Consider also reminding employees about any available benefits (e.g., EAP, telehealth, sleep programs) that your organization offers.

Creating a sleep-positive workplace can be possible by setting healthy boundaries, sharing practical strategies, and making rest a normal part of the wellness conversation. By supporting better sleep, organizations can help employees feel more energized, focused, and resilient, benefiting both individual well-being and team performance.

The month of May is Better Sleep Month. For more information on sleep and how it impacts well-being, check out the May Well Balanced toolkit.