Coinciding with the World Sleep Day that falls on March 14, 2025, Heartfulness and TiE Global released a survey highlighting the growing sleep crisis among entrepreneurs in India. The findings reveal that 55 per cent of startup founders and business leaders struggle with sleep. The survey revealed that relentless demands of long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and financial uncertainties are driving stress and burnout, impacting productivity and overall well-being.
This was based on a survey of more than 260 respondents (including 200+ entrepreneurs, startup founders and 50-plus technology professionals) across five major Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune.
The survey found that the effects of sleep deprivation extend far beyond just feeling tired, and over 80 per cent of respondents surveyed admitted that poor sleep significantly impacts their job performance, concentration, and workplace relationships.
For entrepreneurs, however, the consequences are even more severe, with sleep deprivation impairing critical business functions like decision-making, creativity, and resilience, which are traits essential to business success. Many entrepreneurs also reported frequent sleep disturbances, with 19 per cent of them rating their sleep quality as “poor” or “very poor.”
Additionally, more than 26 per cent of professionals are getting less than six hours of sleep per night, a problem that is even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
The survey highlights that stress and anxiety have been identified 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.
“Entrepreneurs and startup founders often sacrifice sleep in their pursuit of success, but this survey highlights the tangible impact of sleep deprivation on productivity, decision-making, and overall performance,” remarked Murali Bukkapatnam, Chair of the TiE Global Board of Trustees.
TiE Global is partnering with Heartfulness and offering workshops to their chapters across the globe. As part of this, they will introduce sleep wellness workshops both virtually and in person to help entrepreneurs restore balance and well-being.
The first workshop will be held on March 21, 2025, at 8.30pm (IST) virtually, followed by workshops at all TiE conventions worldwide throughout 2025. These sessions will introduce practical techniques, meditation practices, and holistic well-being strategies designed to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
The initiative underscores the urgent need for professionals, especially entrepreneurs, to prioritize their sleep and mental health as part of a balanced and sustainable work-life approach.
The survey also quotes a few recent research studies highlighting the critical impact of sleep deprivation on entrepreneurs' cognitive functions and overall business performance. Studies reveal that business executives experience a 5 to 10 per cent decrease in executive function for every 45 minutes of sleep debt accrued.
Additionally, findings from the Entrepreneur and Innovation Exchange indicate that inadequate sleep diminishes creativity, opportunity recognition, and social skills, further jeopardizing business performance. These insights emphasize the necessity for entrepreneurs to prioritize adequate sleep to maintain optimal health and business success.
