Sleep & Career: Why Success Starts in Bed

"Sleep your way to success"—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not quite that simple, and no, it doesn’t mean you should stay in bed instead of working. But one thing is clear: sleep is a key factor in performance and, ultimately, in career success.

Yet, the outdated belief persists that long working hours and little sleep are signs of dedication and productivity. Burning the midnight oil and being the last to leave the office may seem like commitment, but in the long run, it does more harm than good. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation leads to concentration problems, poor decision-making, and serious health risks.

There’s a reason why people say that important decisions should be made after a good night's sleep. Sleep deprivation severely impacts short-term memory—even without dementia. And did you know that staying awake for 24 hours has similar effects on the body as drinking four glasses of wine? Fatigue slows reaction times, increases the risk of making mistakes, and heightens the likelihood of burnout—potentially bringing a career to a halt instead of advancing it.

In high-pressure industries like finance and consulting, many still believe that the body can adapt to minimal sleep. But that’s a myth. Even top executives like Jeff Bezos swear by getting a solid eight hours—not out of laziness, but because they understand their productivity depends on it.

And while we’re at it, let’s bust another myth: "The early bird catches the worm" may be true for some, but not everyone is a morning person. Each of us has a unique circadian rhythm that determines when we perform at our best. Those who understand and work with their natural rhythm not only get more done but also do so with less stress.

The Bottom Line: Success is a marathon, not a sprint—and sleep is the fuel that gets you to the finish line.