Good sleep is a struggle for many startup founders, business leaders: survey

World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.

As many as 55% of startup founders and business leaders across five major cities of India struggle with sleep, a survey findings showed.

Sleep deprivation effects extend far beyond just tiredness as more than 80% of respondents admitted poor sleep significantly impacted their job performance, concentration and workplace relationships, Heartfulness and TiE Global said sharing the findings on the eve of the World Sleep Day.

The relentless demands of long hours, high-pressure decision-making and financial uncertainties are driving stress and burnout, impacting productivity and overall well-being, the survey said. The survey results pertain to 260 respondents -- more than 200 entrepreneurs as well as start-up founders, and about 50 tech professionals – in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune.

More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs. The consequences are severe for entrepreneurs with sleep deprivation impairing critical business functions like decision-making, creativity, and resilience. Many entrepreneurs reported frequent sleep disturbances, with 19% rating their sleep quality as poor or very poor.

The survey identified stress and anxiety as the leading causes of sleep difficulties, surpassing even the impact of screen exposure before bedtime. Half of the respondents reported moderate to elevated levels of stress and anxiety, with business pressures, funding challenges and team management responsibilities contributing to elevated stress levels that make it difficult for entrepreneurs to unwind and achieve quality rest, Heartfulness said in a release.

“Sleep is not merely rest but a sacred journey — an opportunity for the mind, body, and soul to rejuvenate. It is during sleep that burdens of the ego loosen, allowing us to align with a deeper consciousness,” said Padma Bhushan awardee and president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji).

It is in this state of deep rest, intuition strengthens, clarity emerges and the mind awakens to greater possibilities. Entrepreneurs who cultivate healthy sleep practices will discover a profound shift - not only in their well-being but in their ability to lead with wisdom, creativity, and balance, said Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness .