When was the last time you got a good night’s sleep? If you’re one of the 31 million entrepreneurs in the U.S., this might be a tough question to answer. Most entrepreneurs are prone to insomnia.
What is Entrepreneurial Insomnia?
No stranger to the grind, you’re willing to forgo some shut eye to grow your brand. But insomnia is an inability to fall or stay asleep, even when you want nothing more than to get your eight hours.
Some entrepreneurs might have trouble falling asleep, and they could lay in bed for hours before they manage to get some shut eye. Others might wake up multiple times in the night, and they may have trouble falling back asleep once they’re up.
Why Does it Happen?
Like many sleep disorders, entrepreneurial insomnia can be traced back to many physical and mental stressors in your life.
1. Personal Financial Worries
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck as an entrepreneur, you don’t have a lot of cash to help you in an emergency. The thought of an unexpected problem with your car’s brakes or a medical emergency could keep you up at night.
2. Anxiety About Your Business
Being an entrepreneur is naturally more stressful than being a salaried employee. After all, your business is your baby. You may have sunk a considerable amount of savings into the company, and the success of your idea is a matter of personal pride.
Worrying over the success of your business could be the culprit, especially if you’re currently going through a rough patch.
3. Your Physical Health
Poor physical health can also negatively affect your sleep—from bad habits and inactivity during the day to medical issues and medication.
How Can You Improve Your Sleep as an Entrepreneur
First, identify the root cause of your insomnia. For example, you should focus on repairing your relationship with money if your sleep issues are financial in nature.
Here are some ideas to help you get a better night’s sleep.
1. Make a Safety Net
If you’re worried about how you can pay for an emergency personal expense, get a line of credit. A CC Flow Line of Credit acts as a safety net in emergency situations, when you don’t have savings to cover an unexpected medical or auto expense.
Getting a line of credit may give you the peace of mind you need to sleep better at night, now and in the future. That’s because you can draw, repay, and redraw against your line of credit for multiple emergencies without having to reapply.
2. Be More Mindful
Handling mental stress can be impossible when you don’t have any coping skills for anxiety. But don’t worry — these skills are learnable, just like anything else in life.
Reach out to a professional to learn how you can control your response to stress. In the meantime, take up yoga or meditation to help you unwind at night.
3. Invest in Your Health
Some no-nonsense health advice can help you improve the Zs you get.
- Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have
- Drink enough water during the day
- Cut out caffeine after lunch
- Walk every day
- Eat a balanced diet
- Learn how to improve your sleep hygiene
The Takeaway:
Running on little sleep might be an entrepreneurial badge of honor, but it isn’t healthy. Get to the root of your sleep issues so that you can get a good night’s sleep.