In the dynamic world of events, where long hours, high stakes, and constant multitasking are the norm, sleep often takes a backseat. Event professionals know the hustle all too well, early mornings, late nights, and the adrenaline of making magic happen for attendees.
But while the demands of the job are undeniable, so is the toll it takes on our bodies and minds when rest is compromised.
Sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of wellbeing and performance. For event professionals, maintaining good sleep habits, even when achieving the ideal 7-9 hours isn’t possible, is crucial for sustaining energy, creativity, and resilience.
Why Sleep Matters for Event Professionals
- Cognitive Function and Decision-Making
Planning and running events require sharp problem-solving skills and quick decision-making. Sleep deprivation impairs focus, memory, and judgment, which can lead to costly mistakes or oversights during critical moments. - Emotional Resilience
Working in events often involves high-pressure situations. Sleep helps regulate mood, reducing the likelihood of burnout, irritability, and stress. A well rested mind is better equipped to manage challenges with patience and clarity. - Physical Health
Long hours on your feet and physically demanding setups take a toll on your body. Sleep supports muscle repair, immune function, and overall recovery, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the next day. - Creativity and Problem-Solving
Events are a blend of logistics and creativity. Sleep fuels your brain’s ability to think innovatively and approach problems from fresh angles, critical for creating memorable experiences for attendees.
Aiming for Quality Sleep When Time is Limited
Let’s face it, event days don’t often allow for the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. However, quality matters just as much as quantity. Here’s how you can maximise your rest:
- Optimise Your Pre-Sleep Routine
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals in the hours leading up to sleep.
- Create a calming wind-down ritual, such as reading, meditating, or listening to soothing music.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
- Keep your sleeping area cool, dark, and quiet.
- Use white noise machines or earplugs to block out disturbances if you’re staying near an event site.
- Power Naps Are Your Friend
- A 20-30 minute nap during a break can work wonders for restoring alertness and energy. Avoid napping too late in the day to prevent disrupting your nighttime sleep.
- Practice Sleep Hygiene
- Stick to consistent sleep and wake times as much as possible, even during event periods.
- Limit screen time before bed, as blue light interferes with melatonin production.
- Leverage Restorative Practices
- Incorporate progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) or breathwork exercises before bed to ease tension and prepare your body for sleep.
- Chair yoga can also help release stress and stiffness from a physically demanding day.
- Hydration and Nutrition
- Dehydration and poor eating habits can disrupt your sleep cycle. Stay hydrated and consume balanced meals to keep your body running smoothly.
Sleep on Event Days: Adjusting Expectations
During peak event days, a full night’s sleep might feel like a distant dream. Adjust your expectations by focusing on rest rather than sleep. Even if you only have a few hours, making them as restorative as possible will improve your ability to perform.
If all else fails, prioritise a longer rest period after the event concludes. Your body needs time to recover, and catching up on sleep (known as sleep debt recovery) can help mitigate some of the impacts of short-term sleep deprivation.
Investing in Your Sleep for the Long Run
Sleep is an investment in your wellbeing, productivity, and career longevity. By building healthy habits and prioritising rest wherever possible, you can navigate the demands of the events industry with energy, resilience, and a clear mind.
Remember: The more you care for yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to care for your attendees and clients. Your ability to deliver exceptional events starts with you, so make sleep a cornerstone of your self-care strategy, even amidst the chaos.
By incorporating these strategies, event professionals can balance the fast-paced nature of their work with the restorative power of sleep, ensuring they stay at the top of their game, event after event.
What are your go-to sleep tips during busy event weeks? Share your thoughts with us!
Event Wellbeing Matters 