Why Successful Business Women and Mothers Can’t Afford to Skip Sleep (And How to Get More of It Without Losing Your Momentum)
- Kelsea Koenreich
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
Yet, many high achievers and business owners (women especially) fall into thinking they can function well on less.
It’s easy to convince yourself that working late, waking up early, and immediately checking emails is the only way to get further in your financial and professional success. This self-imposed urgency stems from the need to feel productive and valuable, but in reality, it leads to burnout and decreased effectiveness.
Think about your true long-term goal: Do you want to make a lot of money right now at the cost of your well-being? Or do you want to create financial freedom in a way that allows you to actually enjoy your life?
Read on to learn why you need sleep (and things you probably DIDN’T know about it) for optimal performance and success that feels fulfilling, not just hard-earned.
High-performers strive for high performance…more productivity, better results, and increased efficiency.
But, peak performance has non-negotiable requirements: exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
Neglecting these foundations limits our ability to operate at our highest capacity.
I was in Scottsdale a couple weeks ago teaching a workshop to some seven-figure business owners about my five keys of sustainable scaling. And the first key is all about building and solidifying your foundation—starting with YOU.
When we're talking about prioritizing your foundation, one of the most important things that we can do is sleep.
But, it was eye-opening to see how many women hesitated to prioritize sleep because they felt it didn’t contribute to their bottom line.
But when you’re running on empty, your business suffers.
We might actively say it out loud, but it's another thought that when we get busy, sleep is one of the easiest places to take time from, but it’s also the worst place for us to take time from.
The Science of Sleep: Why You Need It
Quality sleep is a must for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall performance. If you’re aiming for at least seven hours of sleep, you likely need to be in bed for at least eight hours to account for time spent winding down, waking up, and any disturbances during the night.
If you’re not getting enough sleep, ask yourself:
What would I need to change in my schedule to ensure eight hours in bed?
What tasks am I prioritizing that aren’t truly urgent?
How much of my time is lost to unnecessary habits (social media, binge-watching, late-night scrolling)?
If you make time for the productive things you need to be doing, then you should also be making time for sleep (and how well you’re sleeping), since it’s one of the most productive activities for your sustainable success.
Set a Sleep Appointment & Eliminate Sleep Disruptors
Just like an important business meeting, block off eight hours for sleep on your calendar. Treat it as non-negotiable. If necessary, identify and remove barriers such as:
Working late into the night – Set a hard stop for work hours.
Alcohol consumption – It disrupts sleep quality. Consider eliminating it altogether.
Excessive screen time – Limit TV and social media before bed.
Instead, focus on creating bookends for your sleep with strong nighttime and morning routines that set you up for success. Routines signal your brain that it’s time to rest, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep Quality Matters Just as Much as Quantity
Beyond getting enough hours, the quality of your sleep is crucial. Optimizing your sleep environment can make a massive difference. Consider:
Temperature control (63-67 degrees Fahrenheit)
Eliminating light with blackout curtains and an eye mask
Reducing noise with earplugs or a white noise machine
Breathing optimization with mouth tape
If this sounds extra, it is. Consider yourself THE sleep princess because feeling amazing every day is worth it!
Sleep is the Ultimate Hack for Success
If you're truly committed to showing up as your best self, in business and in life, prioritizing sleep isn't optional. It's a cornerstone of sustainable success. High-quality sleep supports your mental clarity, decision-making, and overall energy, making it a non-negotiable investment in your performance.
If you're a woman running a multiple six- or seven-figure business and feeling like your business is running you into the ground, it’s time to rethink how you operate.
For 2025 to be the year where your quality of life matches your financial returns, consider booking a Business Audit with me.
This assessment dives deep into your current operations and pinpoints the shifts you need to make, followed by a 30-minute session where I'll provide actionable steps to reclaim your time, avoid burnout, and continue scaling your impact.
Don’t settle for success at the cost of your well-being. Start making your life as good as your business success…Now get some sleep!
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