Sleep: The missing business success ingredient

When it comes to business, there are certain key ingredients that add up to success, including perseverance, understanding, communication, and resilience. What you may not know, though, is that sleep is also absolutely vital when it comes to running your own business – and the chances are you’re not getting enough.

Sleep, and its many misconceptions

Ah, sleep. Golden, wonderful, sleep. While each morning may feel like a fight between your alarm clock’s snooze button and the urge to do something a little more productive with our day, the great news is that getting more of those precious ‘Zs’ is actually kind of important when it comes to running a successful business. If that wasn’t encouragement to get back underneath the duvet I don’t know what is! There’s a common misconception that sleep is wasted time, when we could be doing something so much better with our business. How do you expect to operate a successful company if you’re half asleep?! Just think for a moment though; doesn’t a lack of sleep cause irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness, and reduced concentration, not to mention high blood pressure and susceptibility to other health issues? That doesn’t seem very productive – and it isn’t. The truth – and that’s the real truth – is that sleep is a great way to mull over ideas, refresh your mind and body, and increase productivity and creativity for the working day ahead. It’s also highly important for a healthy immune system and general level of wellbeing, making it easier than ever to claim you’re kipping for the greater good of the company.

Sleep and you

Telling yourself to get more sleep is one thing, but putting those thoughts of counting sheep into action is quite another; where do you start? First thing’s first, it’s time to get into a healthy routine. Get into the habit of checking your emails one last time a good hour before bed, avoid caffeine, and relax with a good book or a spot of television. The key here is to avoid stimulating your brain so that it struggles to relax and switch off. Next, think about your working day – are you doing enough to keep the company going, working your fair share of duties, or going above and beyond? Taking on a ridiculous amount of work is going to be counterproductive for all involved, so ensure that your workload is manageable and healthy. While naps may seem like something you should grow out of before you start school, taking 10-20 minute ‘power’ naps during the day can be a great way for your body to catch up; aim to improve your brain’s cognitive function by squeezing a short sleep in during your lunch break. Any more than 20 minutes, though, and you’ll be entering into ‘bear with a sore head’ territory. Finally, and this is the toughie, make the most of your sleep – don’t lie awake in bed mulling over the day or planning for tomorrow, but put all thought of work aside. This may sound impossible, but once you’ve learned to relish those twilight hours you’ll be counting down the minutes until they arrive again.

So, there you have it. While ‘those in the know’ may be telling you to sleep when you’re dead, and to resist all temptation for a mid-afternoon nap, the truth is that closing your eyes for a good kip is actually incredibly productive, rejuvenating, and, above all, good for business. So grab that mug of cocoa and divert calls to voicemail – you’ve earned a good night’s sleep.