Documented Consequences of Sacrificing Sleep for Success

I always joke with my clients that if you want to talk with other business owners, you can reach them at 3:00 a.m. because they’re all awake worrying into the wee hours of the night. Although the consequences of less sleep are well-documented, many business owners have trouble managing their stress levels, resulting in late nights and early mornings.

Why Sleep is Important for Business Owners

Sleep is essential for business owners
for many reasons. First, there is a direct 
relationship between sleep quality and work performance. Business owners have a challenging role that requires focus, energy, and quick thinking. Your daily choices can impact not just your livelihood but also that of the people who work for you.

According to Healthline, the consequences of less sleep include memory issues, mood swings, trouble with focus and concentration, and a host of physical problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

When a business owner is sleep-deprived, their ability to lead effectively is drastically reduced. The stakes are much too high to run on fumes consistently. So, even if you’re tempted to stay up late to do more work, you should never sacrifice sleep for success.

How to Get More Sleep

Even after learning the consequences of less sleep, getting more sleep is easier said than done, especially because business owners can’t simply choose not to experience stress. So, if you’re having a hard time getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, here are 5 tips to consider.

1. Get some exercise. Physical activity during the day can help you sleep better at night. Just be sure not to work out too late in the evening, or you risk making it harder to fall asleep. Exercising first thing in the morning is better for waking up.
2. Keep a schedule. Your evening routine is just as important as your morning routine. While initially tedious, going to bed at the same time every night will help your body get used to falling asleep at a particular time. Training yourself will take a while, but the habit will pay off.
3. Mind your diet. What you eat can impact your stress levels and sleeping habits. For example, eating too late in the evening, consuming too much caffeine, and drinking alcohol make it harder to fall asleep and reduce your overall sleep quality.
4. Reduce blue light. Phones, TVs, and computer screens emit blue light that can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Turn off all screens an hour before bedtime and unwind with a book or other non-digital entertainment.
5. Fall asleep faster. The U.S. Army has developed a meditation technique to help soldiers fall asleep quickly. First, imagine your entire body relaxing and filling with a warm sensation, bit by bit. Then, walk through it, releasing the tension from your forehead to your toes until the stress leaves your body.

Are you still tempted to sacrifice sleep for success? A business coach can help you manage your time and reduce your stress levels, finally allowing you to get some shut-eye. Click here to fill out my contact form for a complimentary coaching session with a very well-rested coach, and let’s finally get your sleep schedule under control.

Coach Dave