Catching Zzzzs: Your sleep tips

New research proves that fatigue, rampant in hard times, is bad for business. Here's how 8 entrepreneurs beat insomnia and get ROI from rest.

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First, throw out your old mattress
Richard Arnold
Owner, Key Concept Services
Ashland, Ala.

Years ago I could not sleep, in my 20s and 30s. About 18 years ago, my wife and I switched to a waterbed. Never slept better in my life. About five years ago, the waterbed started to leak. Because a waterbed is so heavy and you can't move the bed to sleep, we researched "sleep number"-type beds. We ended up buying a good one online - not a real "sleep number" bed, but it works the same.

The waterbed was awesome but the air bed is heaven. It has separate controls for me and my wife - I like it a little more firm than she does. I highly recommend an air bed; I'm usually asleep in 10 minutes or less. I also recommend a heated mattress pad for the wintertime. There's nothing like getting into a toasty bed.

I honestly believe that a big part of today's workforce nonproductivity is due to people not sleeping well. I have been doing my own unscientific study for years, asking people how they sleep and how long they sleep. The majority of people I question do not sleep many hours, nor do they sleep well. Most will tell you they don't like their mattress. Many justify it by saying they do not need but a few hours of sleep - they are SO wrong. Facts prove otherwise.

It is beyond my comprehension how people continue to do something they know is not good for them. Get a better mattress and get more sleep. It will change your world!

NEXT: The 5-step guide to tranquility

LAST UPDATE: Aug 25 2008 | 10:47 AM ET
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