Introduction: Why Productivity Isn’t About Doing More
I’ve been there.
Running on three hours of sleep. Inbox overflowing. “Important” Slack messages dinging like it’s a fire drill. My calendar? Weaponized chaos.
And yet, despite the grind, it felt like I was stuck in a productivity hamster wheel—spinning fast, going nowhere. Sound familiar?
Here’s the hard truth I had to swallow: most “productivity advice” out there is just noise.
So let’s burn that script.
Because productivity isn’t about squeezing more out of your day—it’s about subtracting the garbage, protecting your energy, and building systems that actually work for real humans. Especially humans building businesses.
Let’s get into it.
Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Yes, we’re starting with sleep. Not Trello boards. Not Notion templates.
If your brain is foggy from a scattered sleep cycle, no time-blocking trick will save you.
A consistent sleep schedule anchors your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal clock. When it’s synced, you fall asleep faster, wake up clearer, and your energy stabilizes throughout the day. This is neuroscience, not a wellness meme.
I started going to bed at the same time—even on weekends. After two weeks, my morning brain fog vanished. I stopped relying on caffeine to function.
Productivity begins before the sun rises.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment
Light. Noise. Temperature. These are productivity saboteurs in disguise.
I used to work until midnight in bed with my laptop—emailing investors, editing code, scrolling Twitter like it was a second job. Then I wondered why I woke up exhausted.
Your bedroom should be for two things: sleep and sex. That’s it.
- Keep it cool: 60–67°F (16–19°C) is the sleep sweet spot.
- Blackout the room: Get blackout curtains or a sleep mask.
- Quiet the chaos: White noise or earplugs if you live near a siren symphony.
Your brain needs environmental cues to know it’s time to wind down. Don’t confuse it with workspace vibes.
Cut Back on Blue Light Before Bed
You know this already. But you’re still scrolling this on your phone at 11:58 PM, aren’t you?
Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production. Translation: it tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime when it’s very much not.
Here’s what actually works:
- Blue light glasses: I use them after 7 PM religiously.
- Night Shift mode: Enable it across all your screens.
- No screens 1 hour before bed: Old-school, but game-changing.
Instead of doom-scrolling, try reading fiction or journaling your top 3 wins of the day. (If you’re rebuilding your wind-down habits, start with Top Daily Habits that actually stick—no willpower required.)
Eat and Drink Smartly Before Bedtime
Late-night pizza and chugging Red Bull at 10 PM? That’s a productivity crime scene.
Your digestion and sleep are linked like a founder and their inbox: too much going on, and everything crashes.
Instead:
- Sip chamomile or tart cherry juice—both support melatonin.
- Snack on melatonin-rich foods like almonds, bananas, or kiwi.
- Avoid: caffeine after 2 PM, heavy meals, and alcohol (even the “just one glass” lie).
Snack on melatonin-rich foods like almonds, bananas, or kiwi. (Many of these are also found in our curated list of the Best Foods to Boost Gut Health—because a calm gut equals better sleep.)
Try Natural Sleep Remedies
I was skeptical about herbs. I’m a data guy. But insomnia humbled me.
So I tried:
- Magnesium glycinate—mellowed out my twitchy late-night mind.
- Valerian root—earthy, weird, surprisingly calming.
- Lavender oil diffuser—okay, this one felt like cheating. Instant zen.
No pills. No weird dependencies. Just plants doing plant things.
Important note: check for interactions if you’re on meds. Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s universally safe.
Reduce Stress Through Mindfulness
Stress isn’t just mental—it’s hormonal. When cortisol spikes (hello investor emails at 11 PM), your body locks itself into survival mode.
Sleep? Not a priority. Your body thinks it’s being chased by a bear.
Try this before bed:
- 4-7-8 breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
- 5-minute journaling—brain-dump your worries
- Guided meditation apps like Insight Timer or Calm
You don’t need to become a monk. Just become unavailable to stress after 9 PM.
Build a Relaxing Evening Routine
Here’s mine:
- 9:00 PM – Tea + light fiction (no startup books)
- 9:30 PM – Face wash, skincare (yes, men can glow too)
- 9:45 PM – Gratitude journaling (5 lines, no pressure)
- 10:00 PM – Bed. No screens.
It took me 3 weeks to build this. Now it runs on autopilot.
Your body craves predictability. Give it a rhythm, and it’ll reward you with deeper, more restorative sleep.
Exercise, but Not Too Late
Working out is great for sleep. But timing matters.
Exercise boosts endorphins and raises your core temperature—which is the opposite of what your body needs to fall asleep.
💡 Best time to move? Morning or early evening.
I do a 20-minute brisk walk post-dinner. Nothing heroic. Just enough to shake off screen fatigue and stretch my spine after hours of slouching at my desk.
You don’t need a gym. You need movement.
When to Seek Help: Signs of Chronic Sleep Issues
Let’s be real: some of us need more than chamomile and routines.
If this sounds like you:
- You lie awake for hours despite trying everything
- You wake up tired every day for months
- You’re experiencing sleep paralysis, night terrors, or heavy anxiety around bedtime
It’s time to see a sleep specialist. There’s no shame in needing help. Real productivity begins with real health.
Conclusion
Look, I’m not here to sell you a pillow or a Pomodoro timer.
I’m here to tell you this: You don’t need to do more. You need to rest better.
That’s how you show up for your business, your team, your life. Fully charged. Fully human.
Sleep is your superpower.
Don’t waste another night treating it like a luxury. It’s your most underrated productivity hack.
FAQs:
1. What’s the best time to go to bed for entrepreneurs?
Aim for 10:00–11:00 PM to align with your natural melatonin curve.
2. Are sleep supplements safe?
Generally, yes in moderate doses—but consult a doctor if you’re on medication or unsure.
3. Does napping help productivity?
Power naps (20–30 minutes) can help. But don’t nap too late in the day.
4. How long should my evening routine be?
Start with 30–45 minutes. Consistency matters more than duration.
5. Can poor sleep really affect business decisions?
Absolutely. Sleep deprivation impairs judgment, memory, and emotional regulation—critical skills for any entrepreneur.
