How Better Sleep Can Help You Make Smarter Business Decisions

Ever had one of those days where you’re running on fumes, and by the time you have to make a decision, your brain just… taps out? It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and you can’t think straight. Luckily, getting better sleep can help you make great business decisions now, in college, and well into the future. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of getting enough rest, how it sharpens your decision-making skills, and practical sleep hygiene tips to help you feel well-rested and ready to take on the day as a business owner.

The Value of Sleep: Why It Matters Now

You’ve heard it a million times; sleep is important. Unfortunately, a lot of Americans deal with chronic sleep loss, and it doesn’t just make you tired. It can tank your daily performance, hurt your quality of life, and over time, even lead to serious sleep disorders. Sleep plays a big role in your body’s functions, from your brain to your heart.

When you’re well-rested, you can:

• Strengthen your immune system to fight off illnesses
• Keep your hormones balanced
• Improve memory
• Support better mental health

Getting into a consistent sleep routine sharpens your decision-making skills and makes it easier to stay focused on your goals.

How Better Sleep Sharpens Business Decisions

Since sleep is so closely tied to your cognitive performance (in school, when running your business, and in everyday life), it can directly influence the decisions you make. Here’s how:

• Clearer focus: When you’re well-rested, your mind feels sharper and less foggy. You can pay closer attention, weigh your options more effectively, and come up with great strategies to move your business forward.
• Lower risk-taking: One study found that sleep-deprived college students engaged in more risky behavior. A great night’s rest can help you avoid impulsive choices and plan more carefully for major decisions.
• Better mood: Poor sleep increases stress and anxiety, while good sleep improves mental resilience. This effect makes it easier to handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

Stronger long-term habits: Consistently getting quality sleep supports brain development, which reinforces the habit of making thoughtful, strategic decisions.

Sleep Hygiene Tips for Teen Entrepreneurs

As a teen entrepreneur, you’ve got a lot going on—school, your business, and everything in between. But sleep has to be a priority if you want to perform your best. Here are a few tips for building great sleep hygiene:

1. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends. If you wake up at 7:00 a.m. for school, stick to 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays too. Teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep each night, so give yourself enough time to wind down and actually get those hours before your alarm goes off.

2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

There’s a clear link between smartphone use at night and poor sleep quality. Teens who use their phones right before bed are less likely to get eight hours of sleep. Don’t let that be you—put your phone away at least an hour before bedtime, ideally in another room or across the room so it’s harder to reach. You could also try locking your apps a couple of hours before bed to avoid late-night scrolling.

3. Build a Relaxing Night Routine

As bedtime approaches, dim the lights and avoid caffeine. Add activities that signal relaxation to your brain, like brewing a caffeine-free tea, reading a book, or doing some gentle stretching.

4. Make Your Sleep Space a Calm Zone

Don’t use your bed for work or studying. Keep it a peaceful place meant only for rest. Clear away clutter around your bed so it feels like a welcoming space to come to after a long day.

Turning Rest Into Opportunity

Getting enough sleep gives you a clear mind and the energy to take on each day. Building these habits now sets you up to make better decisions in college and in your business. You’ll also find it easier to stay focused in class, deliver stronger business pitches, and put together more thoughtful scholarship applications.

If you’re a high school entrepreneur in Florida with big dreams and the drive to make them happen, the Kantner Foundation Scholarship could be your next step. Click here to learn more.