Sleep quality can have a profound impact on employee wellbeing, influencing everything from focus and decision-making to mood and overall productivity. As organisations continue to prioritise holistic wellness, recognising the role of sleep is essential for any forward-thinking employee benefits strategy.But what kind of sleep leads to optimal health and performance in the workplace? The debate between the benefits of late-night sleep patterns and early rising is long-standing, with high-profile examples on both sides. While some studies suggest that night owls have a creative edge, other research shows that early risers often have better overall health outcomes and lower risks of chronic illness. Regardless of the debate, Sammy Rubin, founder and CEO of YuLife, believes what’s important is balanced and restorative sleep. “I view good sleep as fundamental to high performance,” he says. “I do not subscribe to a culture where people boast about how little sleep they can survive on. In my opinion, sleep deprivation should not be something to aspire to.”Healthy sleepers live longer and work betterYuLife recently conducted a study involving 846 users of its employee app, which monitors various wellbeing metrics. The research sought to better understand how sleep habits impact daily behaviour and overall health. Of the participants, 431 identified as ‘morning people’, waking up between 4am and 6am, while 415 were ‘night people’, going to sleep between 2am and 4am and waking up around noon.The study revealed that early risers had healthier overall sleep habits, which correlated with a host of positive lifestyle choices. These individuals were more likely to engage in regular physical activity and had higher daily step counts, supporting better cardiovascular health, weight management, and enhanced mental wellbeing. The impact on longevity was striking: healthy sleepers had a predicted lifespan nearly three years longer than those with irregular sleep patterns.The consequences of poor sleepOn the other hand, night people were found to be more vulnerable to stress and the mental and emotional challenges it brings. According to the YuLife study, 75% of those with poor sleep schedules experienced feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or being on edge, compared to only 58% of healthy sleepers. This disparity underscores the significant toll that irregular sleep can have on overall wellbeing.Poor sleep doesn’t just affect mental health; it impairs cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving – all crucial skills for any professional. By contrast, employees who maintained healthy sleep routines demonstrated sharper cognitive capabilities, which are essential for meeting daily job demands.Early risers outperform night owls by almost 10%The research also discovered that early risers tended to make healthier lifestyle choices and were less likely to develop addictive habits such as smoking or binge eating. Importantly, the study found that employees with regular, healthy sleep schedules reported productivity levels nearly 10% higher than their sleep-deprived counterparts. Read our guide for more on how good sleep can boost employee productivity. This difference has practical implications: improved sleep leads to fewer sick days, lower absenteeism, and sustained energy levels throughout the workday.The economic impact of poor sleep is undeniable. In the UK alone, it accounts for an estimated 200,000 lost working days annually. The findings also highlighted that 67% of healthy sleepers found their work rewarding, compared to only 50% of employees with poor sleep habits. The sense of fulfilment derived from work is essential for long-term job satisfaction and can directly influence employee engagement and retention. Without it, organisations face higher rates of disengagement, reduced productivity, and ultimately, increased turnover.Strategies to improve employee sleep and performanceWhat can business leaders do to support better sleep habits among their workforce? Promote benefits and initiatives that encourage healthy sleep, such as educating managers to respect working hours and avoid out-of-hours communications. Cultivating a sleep-friendly culture can make a lasting difference.Provide employees with apps that offer tools such as guided meditations, calming music or sleep pattern tracking. Companies might also consider running or subsidising morning fitness classes, yoga sessions, or meditation programmes to promote early rising and physical activity.Train managers to identify signs of fatigue, a common precursor to burnout. Recognising when a team member needs intervention or additional support helps foster a resilient and energised workforce.The future of work depends on sleep“Understanding the connection between healthy sleep and employees’ success is crucial for the future of the workforce,” concludes Sammy. “Rest assured: By implementing strategies that help your employees practise ideal sleep habits, you can support your employees’ wellbeing and build a healthier, happier and more productive workplace.”About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.