Sleep deprivation could rob you of your business or in extreme circumstances your life. End insomnia and sleep problems and you will find success.

To succeed in all we do it is essential that we care for our health. The most important area for this is how we relax, manage our time and vitally, sleep.

As the pressures of work or business building mount there is always a threat that sleep deprivation may affect performance and lead to a build up of stress. To avoid this there are number of fairly simple things we can do to ensure the bliss of a good nights' sleep.

No more tossing and turning, dropping off just as it's getting light, dragging yourself out of bed, worn out and drained of energy from lack of sleep.

After a stressful day some alternative activity is always a good way of winding down and freeing the mind from the mass of conflicting thoughts which can affect our ability to sleep.

There are techniques that work very successfully. They enable us to fall asleep quickly, enjoy hours of health-giving, refreshing sleep.

What are the issues that can cause sleeping problems. I have always (most of the time) been able to sleep fairly well. However there have been times when under great pressure managing change and stemming losses in a number of businesses when it has been very difficult to avoid becoming short of sleep.

Alcohol and drugs are NOT the answer.

I am also fortunate that I can 'cat nap' and 'power nap'. This is invaluable when carrying out overseas work where the hours can be long and sleeping soundly, usually after a late meal, in hotels is not easy.

Despite being fortunate in generally being able cope I have been through acute periods where I have suffered from insomnia and not only is it a vicious cycle that is difficult to break it does lower performance.

Regular exercise, good eating habits and regular holidays are all essential if we are to avoid sleep deprivation.