By Mike Ott, CEO of MOBE and Retired Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves.
In boardrooms and corner offices, there’s a long-standing myth that success requires sacrifice, and sleep is often the first thing on the chopping block. Fortunately, I’m starting to see that mindset shift and am proud to be part of the growing movement of CEOs who are prioritizing their sleep and encouraging others to do the same. The best leaders I know have realized that the secret weapon of peak performance isn’t another productivity hack—it’s sleep.
The Silent Driver Of Strategic Thinking
Research shows that sleep deprivation affects the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving and innovation. Getting adequate sleep can help leaders make faster, more accurate decisions; stay on top of complex projects; and create cultures that retain top talent. Simply put, sleep helps us function at our best.
When sleep is compromised, the consequences can be immediate and detrimental. Sleep deprivation can impair judgment and increase impulsivity, which are disastrous traits for anyone in a leadership position. It can also negatively impact emotional regulation, causing more reactive and less strategic decision-making.
The ROI Of Rest
Sleep isn’t just about personal well-being—it can be a key driver of thriving, successful and profitable businesses. In fact, research indicates that the U.S. economy loses hundreds of billions of dollars annually due to sleep-related productivity losses. Employees who are sleep-deprived are more prone to errors, slower decision-making and decreased productivity.
When leaders model and prioritize sleep, however, they can create a ripple effect that empowers healthier teams. In return, leaders can also receive sharper ideas, more solid strategies and faster execution. Sleep is a simple but powerful way to foster a high-energy culture of well-being that supports business success. As far as I’m concerned, sleep is an overlooked competitive edge in today’s cutthroat markets.
Sleep As A Business Strategy: Four CEO-Tested Techniques
If you’re serious about improving your sleep habits, start by recognizing the need for balance. Here are a few simple steps I follow to optimize my own sleep:
1. Guard your wind-down time. Schedule your end-of-day routine with the same rigor as a client or board meeting. I’m strict about my digital curfew and will swap my laptop for a book before bed.
2. No coffee after noon. It’s no secret that for most people, caffeine can disrupt your sleep cycle. Cut it out after lunch and walk to the water cooler instead.
3. Rebrand sleep as an asset. Talk about sleep when in front of your leadership team and employees. Be the example that gives them permission to protect its importance.
4. Tech hygiene matters. Leave your phone outside the bedroom. Your next million-dollar idea won’t come from doomscrolling.
Well-Rested Leaders Build Winning Companies
In an age of burnout, I’ve found that leaders who prioritize sleep are often healthier, sharper, more resilient and more innovative. Consider the case of a major media mogul who publicly admitted that her company started flourishing after she became well-rested. Sleep isn’t a personal indulgence; it’s a strategic lever for sustainable business success.
So, next time you consider burning the midnight oil, ask yourself: Are you really working harder? Or are you just dulling your competitive edge?
Smart CEOs sleep. Because when you rest well, you lead better.
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