Let’s talk about sleep baby.

The Power of Sleep: How Prioritising Rest Transformed My Productivity

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Each night when I go to sleep I die. And the next morning when I wake up I’m re-born.”

Sleep is something we all know is important—but let’s be honest, it’s also the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. Late nights, early starts, and the feeling that there just aren’t enough hours in the day lead us to cut corners on rest.

But here’s the truth: when we improve our sleep, everything else improves too.

A month ago, I decided to double down and make sleep a real priority. Why? Because studies show that getting six hours of sleep or less can reduce productivity by a staggering 40%—and I definitely don’t want that.

So, here’s what I’ve done to transform my sleep (and my productivity).

My Sleep Strategy

1. A Consistent Bedtime

Going to bed at the same time every night has been a game-changer. My body now knows when to start winding down, and in turn, my mornings feel more energized. The more consistent my sleep schedule, the better my decision-making has been.

2. Magnesium for Deeper Sleep

Magnesium is a powerhouse supplement for improving sleep quality. I take it before bed, and it’s helped me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth looking into!

3. Reducing Screen Time Before Bed

An hour before bed, I put my phone and laptop away. The blue light from screens tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime, which stops melatonin production—the hormone you need to fall asleep. Cutting screen time before bed has had a huge impact on my sleep quality.

4. Creating a Wind-Down Routine

Before bed, I read a book to quiet my mind. Anything that helps you slow down and disconnect from the day works—whether it’s reading, meditation, or gentle stretching. Give your brain a break; it deserves it!

5. Writing Down To-Do’s for Tomorrow

If there’s something on my mind for the next day, I write it down instead of letting it linger in my head. Getting it onto paper clears mental space and makes it easier to switch off and relax.

6. Practicing Gratitude

Most nights, I write down three good things that happened that day. It’s a small habit that shifts my focus toward the positives, even on rough days. Looking back at my weekly gratitude list has been a great reminder of all the good things happening in my life.

7. Tracking My Sleep with Whoop

One of the biggest game-changers has been using my Whoop band to track my sleep quality. It gives real-time data on how well I’m resting and shows the impact of these changes on my recovery. It’s made me hyper-aware of how small tweaks can massively improve my energy and focus.

If you’re curious about how Whoop can help you optimize your sleep and recovery, you can try it free for a month here.

Prioritising Sleep = Prioritising Success

Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s an investment in your success. Since prioritising it, I’ve been waking up feeling more energised, focused, and ready to take on the week (minus the occasional Christmas party 🤣).

I want the same for you. Make sleep a priority, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve.

Go win the week—and your sleep!

Em

A little Christmas celebration never hurts .