Sleep Habits of Highly Successful People

The life of a successful person is scrutinized by all and sundry. Their work, social life, exercise regimes and not to forget even sleep habits are discussed and debated. We often wonder what makes them who they are? What is that one effective habit that sets them apart and helps them reach the heights of success that most people can just dream of?  

Well, adequate and uninterrupted sleep has a big role to play in their success. One may use the best mattress available. You may buy a memory foam mattress or ergonomic mattress from the top sellers. But, if you are not going to give your body the much-needed rest, none of the above will help.

Studies have been done on sleep patterns of successful people. From Winston Churchill to Indira Nooyi, sleep patterns of different people have been studied. The key takeaways from these studies are mentioned below.

 

Early to bed: With the exception of a few like Barack Obama and Elon Musk, it was seen that most successful people retired early at night. Many preferred to end their day by 10:00 or 11:00 pm. Why? Well, the simple logic is that most of them would have had a busy work day. So by 10:00 pm they would have reached a saturation point. Hence an early end to the day is needed so that the body and mind get adequate rest.

Early risers: Needless to say all those who retired early also had an early start to the day. It is said that Indira Nooyi starts her day as early as 4:00 am. Why? Also, an early start gives you the edge over the rest of the team. Activities that need your sole attention can also be completed in these hours.

Image Courtesy Forbes Magazine

Six hours at the least: Most successful people clock in at least 6 hours of sleep every night. Yes, this is less than the stipulated 7 hours recommended for healthy adults. In their own words, the people who were part of these studies have said that their sleep is fairly undisturbed and fitful. Hence six hours seem to be enough for them.

They are disciplined: Most successful people lead a disciplined life. Such people have also said that they have routines that they adhere to. This includes specific times for work, family, exercise, and sleep. Many of the subjects who were part of the study have stated that they do not compromise on their routines unless the situation demands them to do so.

One question that arises here is how many hours of sleep do humans need? All sleep experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep for healthy adults. But here are a bunch of successful people who sleep lesser and achieve more.

The hours of sleep that an individual requires is debatable. While it is recommended that we get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep one can train their bodies to function optimally even when this quota of sleep is not fulfilled. Many people worldwide have done it.

Like the people mentioned above. Over the years their body is used to working well with just 6 or 7 hours of sleep. But, remember they do not compromise on their sleep timings and also try to ensure that they get undisturbed sleep.

Which brings us to the next question which is can lack of sleep affect you?

The answer is in the affirmative. Lack of sleep directly affects the body. Our body is no different from an engine. Just as an engine works well when it is oiled and serviced our body also responds well when it gets adequate sleep. Some of the repercussions of inadequate sleep are:

• We show signs of irritability and are moody.
• There is a loss of attention, concentration, and alertness in an individual
• Our ability to understand and assimilate information is affected.
• Problem-solving skills are impaired.  
• Lack of sleep is sometimes a cause for depression.
• People who have inadequate sleep also show signs of ageing much early.
• Can be a cause of innumerable health problems.

So, given the above drawbacks, it is obvious that inadequate sleep is only a ticket to losing out on many things in life.

 

We can conclude saying that good sleep habits are essential for a successful life. Don’t let a foggy head steal your success. Sleep well to achieve more.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How to improve the sleep cycle? 

A: Here are some tips to help improve your sleep cycle:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that helps you wind down and relax. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques.
• Make your bedroom conducive to sleep: Create a sleep-friendly environment by making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.
• Limit exposure to screens before bedtime: Avoid exposure to screens such as smartphones, tablets, and computers for at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Q: How to have a good sleep?

A: Here are some tips for having a good sleep:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that helps you wind down and relax. This might include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques.
• Make your bedroom conducive to sleep: Create a sleep-friendly environment by making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.
• Limit exposure to screens before bedtime: Avoid exposure to screens such as smartphones, tablets, and computers for at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.