Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, with work hours that go beyond 9-5 and responsibilities that don’t end when the day comes to a close. Some entrepreneurs assume that loss of sleep is a natural effect of this lifestyle that can’t be avoided. Work-life balance is definitely a challenge for entrepreneurs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t intervene with better sleep solutions. If you’re missing out on the sleep you need, stop and ask yourself if any of these common issues may be to blame.

Is Your Sleep Environment a Problem?

When you think about why an entrepreneur may have sleep troubles, the first thing you jump to may be stress or racing thoughts that keep you up. These are very real causes of insomnia, but what if you’re overlooking the obvious, most basic cause? The physical space where you sleep may be at fault, whether it’s lack of comfort or physiological issues like finding the ideal sleep temperature.

When it comes to comfort, many people go too long sleeping on an old mattress, or sleeping on a mattress that isn’t right for them. This is understandable since buying a new mattress is a big investment, plus many of us are simply overwhelmed by the prospect of going to mattress stores and trying to figure out what we need. As an alternative to traditional mattress shopping, a quicker and easier option is to research mattresses online. We love the bed-in-a-box option where you can order your mattress online, have it delivered, and even set it up yourself.

When you start researching, we suggest reading plenty of reviews to get a good feel for the quality and overall experience customers have with a particular mattress. The other thing to keep in mind is that your sleep style and your weight are two of the most important considerations in finding the right one. For example, Leesa mattresses are medium-firm, so they suit a variety of sleep styles, especially side and back sleepers. This mattress is also great for couples because the memory foam construction adapts somewhat to each person. This makes Leesa a perfect choice for many mattress shoppers, but it’s also best suited to people who are either petite or medium in size, so it may not be best for larger individuals or someone who prefers a really soft mattress.

What’s On Your Mind?

After considering your sleep environment, the next question is whether your thoughts are keeping you up. These nighttime thoughts can take many forms: Maybe you’re worried about what you didn’t get done during the day, or maybe it’s excitement, not stress that’s the problem. The website Marketing Eye explains how common it is for entrepreneurs to be so excited about potential that they stay awake thinking about new ideas.

How Can You Intervene to Sleep Better?

Excitement is definitely better than stress, but you still need to sleep, even if it’s the thought of opportunity that keeps you up. One strategy for putting a stop to these thoughts when it’s time for you to rest is to set a healthy work routine. Decide on a cutoff time for work and set it aside for the night (and don’t bring work to bed with you!). We know this can be a challenging proposition for entrepreneurs, so we suggest coming up with some time saving strategies, too, so you can accomplish more during work hours.

Along with a good work routine, it’s important to stick to a wellness-focused routine. During the day, try to stay aware of how things like caffeine affect you. At night, make a point of turning off electronics and doing something relaxing before going to bed, ideally around the same time each night.

Getting into these habits takes commitment. However, it’s essential for entrepreneurs to realize that sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. You owe it to yourself and your business to make sleep a priority. You’ll have more energy, be more productive, and most importantly, you’ll feel better, too.