Entrepreneurs put in long hours building their businesses. At the same time, every aspect of their companies — from employees to their bottom line — is constantly on their minds. All of this is affecting their sleep and general ability to rest.
Sleep problems affect everyone. More than 45% of Americans say they’ve had poor sleep in the past two weeks, and 59% struggle to drift off to sleep at least once or twice a week, according to a recent Circle Medical survey.
But a lack of sleep takes an especially high toll on small business owners and entrepreneurs. Inadequate rest leads to fatigue, drives anxiety, and drains motivation, all of which make running a company incredibly difficult.
The sleep struggles of small business owners
Research published in 2019 in the Journal of Business Venturing found that “entrepreneurial stressors” interfered with entrepreneurs’ ability to detach from work during downtimes and sleep well.
The most common worries keeping business owners awake include market outlook uncertainty, managing cash flow, future tax and interest rate changes, and the burden of red tape.
A February 2025 survey by Novuna backs this finding. More than 80% of small business owners reported getting “broken sleep” or lying awake at night worrying about business issues, which the report noted is a 10-year high.
The most common worries keeping business owners awake include market outlook uncertainty, managing cash flow, future tax and interest rate changes, and the burden of red tape, according to the report.
Studies show that well-rested entrepreneurs perform better and work more efficiently. Other research suggests that regularly getting a good night’s sleep enhances small business owners’ abilities to perform cognitive tasks — it also helps them feel more motivated and less fatigued and depleted.
Sleep is crucial for entrepreneurs so they feel focused and able to concentrate during their day, as they have to make important decisions and think creatively.
Sleep tips for entrepreneurs
Getting enough sleep may be easier said than done, especially when you have so much going on and your mind is racing. Here are some tips that can help.
- Avoid afternoon coffee breaks. If you typically sip caffeine all day, stop by 2 p.m. This will help minimize nighttime sleep problems.
- Exercise. Regular physical activity has been linked to lower stress levels and higher emotional resilience, essential qualities for entrepreneurs. However, try to exercise earlier in the day, or it may rev up your energy and keep you awake.
- Stay away from alcohol or sleep aids. These substances may seem to help you fall asleep, but they can interfere with your ability to get high-quality rest. This is because they can disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
- Practice mindfulness. Research suggests that mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or yoga, can minimize feelings of exhaustion, as they help entrepreneurs gain more control over their thoughts.
- Wind down before bedtime. It can be difficult to stick to a consistent sleep-wake schedule when you’re busy with your business. At least spend about one hour winding down before going to bed, such as reading or listening to calming music. These rituals cue the brain that it’s time to relax.
- Get checked out. If you’re consistently exhausted, whether you sleep through the night or not or typically lie in bed awake all night, see your doctor. They can refer you to a sleep specialist to rule out a medical condition, such as sleep apnea.
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