How to Unlock Your Superpower

During my four decades in business, I've probably read every book that could possibly motivate or inspire me as a businessperson. But 14 years ago, when I started a mattress company, my perspective on what you really need to be an effective leader changed. 

I began reading about sleep and its role in physical and mental performance. I consumed dozens, if not hundreds, of books and articles on the subject. What I learned not only helped me build my company, it also had a profound impact on every aspect of my personal and professional life. 

We all know intuitively that sleep is important, but when you take a closer look at the data, you can quickly see its staggering power. Sleep plays a critical role in mood, metabolism, learning, immune function, and countless aspects of general health and wellness. When we don’t get enough, we’re more likely to make bad decisions, experience depression, get into accidents, and suffer from chronic disease. 

When you have a good night’s sleep, you think better, you feel better, and you perform better. To be fully refreshed is nothing short of a superpower. Here’s how to unlock it. 

Think of sleep as an activity. Whether you’re going to a Pilates class, playing a game of pickup basketball, or just taking a walk, you prepare for it. You stretch your Achilles, put on the proper footwear, and plan your route. Sleep is no different. You can’t just flop down on the bed or sofa and expect to get quality sleep. You have to approach it as you would any other activity.

Commit to a routine. Personally, I have a very specific pre-sleep ritual that I do every night: I turn down the temperature in the bedroom, I wear the right pajamas, and I smooth out my sheets (made from breathable cotton of course). I turn off my electronic devices and make sure the room is extremely dark. I like to sleep with my left leg slightly propped up on a pillow. Others might turn on a white noise machine or do a 10-minute meditation to relax. Everyone has their own needs. The important thing is to be cognizant of the difference between just “going to sleep” and actively setting yourself up for the best possible night’s rest. 

Plan for tomorrow. Everyone’s days are long, balancing obligations can be hard, and raising kids or competing in the business world is demanding. It’s no wonder most of us are exhausted at the end of the day. But preparing the night before is a great way to set yourself up for success and get motivated for the day to come. Taking a more mindful approach to sleep has made me more creative, more energetic, and more focused—not to mention a nicer person to be around. If it’s done all that for me, I’m confident it can do the same for you. 

(Need some help to get started? Check out these sleep tips from Saatva’s blog.)

- Ron Rudzin, Saatva Founder and CEO