Melinda French Gates, the founder of her own venture with $12.5 billion to advance causes she cares about, emphasizes the importance of sleep in managing stress and increasing productivity. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she argues that getting seven or eight hours of sleep is crucial, not just for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Contrary to popular myths, French Gates believes that working long hours without sleep is not a virtue. Instead, it can lead to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and poor decision-making. She cites examples like Elon Musk and Indra Nooyi, who have both talked about their excessive work habits, but notes that science suggests otherwise.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, with consequences such as stress, anxiety, heart disease, and diabetes for those who don’t get enough. The CDC also reports that nearly 40% of adults do not meet this standard, resulting in lost productivity and decreased performance.
French Gates’ message is clear: prioritizing sleep is essential for leading an organization or team to its best potential. By making sleep a priority, individuals can increase their energy, focus, and creativity, ultimately achieving better outcomes.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91425513/melinda-gates-sleep-science