Can Mindfulness Reduce the Effects of Poor Sleep for Entrepreneurs?

What do famous entrepreneurs like Jack Dorsey and Bill Gates have in common with great thinkers and inventors like Benjamin Franklin? Aside from innovative ideas, success, and drive, they have (or had) one common problem: poor quality sleep. Dorsey is said to have slept for four hours on numerous nights, as did Franklin. It may seem like part and parcel of an exciting and busy life, but eventually, it takes its toll. In the long term, poor sleep quantity and quality can bring about a myriad of health consequences—including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental conditions like depression and anxiety, heart disease, and more. If there is no way you can fit in more hours than you currently do, however, take note. A study by researchers at Oregon State University has found that exhausted entrepreneurs can reduce sleep exhaustion by embracing mindfulness exercises such as meditation.

Exhaustion Inhibits Cognitive Functioning

Exhaustion is a major problem among entrepreneurs because it inhibits cognitive functioning—which refers to multiple abilities, including thinking, learning, remembering, solver problems, making decisions, and focusing. It also affects their ability to identify and evaluate ideas and makes them less likely to persevere on required tasks. By the same token, many entrepreneurs cannot enjoy quality sleep—even when they make the effort to stick to a sound routine. As stated by business owner Tommy Mello, passion for one’s projects can keep entrepreneurs up late, wake them up in the middle of the night with a groundbreaking idea, and propel them to work as hard as they need to in order to achieve an increasing number of goals.

Close Your Eyes or Open Your Mind

The study undertaken by Oregon State Universities involved 329 entrepreneurs, over 40 per cent of which worked over 50 hours a week and slept an average of under six hours a night. The results showed that those who slept more, or who engaged in mindfulness activities, reported lower levels of fatigue. The researchers suggested that mindfulness exercises could provide relief during tough challenges in an entrepreneur’s life—such as when they are launching a new venture.

Mindfulness and Improved Interactions with Colleagues

Taking time to do meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi can help entrepreneurs in additional ways. A 2022 study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers revealed that mindful interactions and relationships can give rise to a more harmonious workplace. These interactions, when undertaken with intentionality, compassion, and presence, can improve the health of your staff and help to create a better corporate culture. To harness these beneficial effects, you can either engage in formal practices such as taking a mindful pause prior to a meeting or informal practices. The latter can include actively listening to someone and showing them that you are paying them a high degree of attention.

An entrepreneur’s life is one of passion, drive, and sometimes, poor quality sleep. Mindfulness can help you surge ahead during challenging times by helping to reduce your feeling of exhaustion. Because long-term sleep deprivation can have a host of health consequences, however, it is also important to embrace good sleep hygiene and to design a restful bedroom that is cool and completely dark.