Originally posted December 4, 2019
There’s a long-standing myth in our culture that success demands sacrifice—especially the sacrifice of sleep. The “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality might sound ambitious, but it’s one of the most damaging beliefs we’ve normalized.
Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a biological necessity that impacts everything from decision-making and memory to emotional regulation and physical health. And yet, many driven professionals push rest aside to meet their goals.
But here’s the truth: sacrificing sleep for success doesn’t actually make you more productive. In fact, it makes you slower, foggier, more reactive, and more prone to burnout and illness. The body keeps score—and eventually, it will demand rest, one way or another.
This is why we were thrilled to host Lisa Hazelgrove for an intimate talk with our clients. She has been in the Wellness Industry for 15 years specializing in nutrition and sleep. Her focus is on empowering others to take control of their health. In 2008 she began teaching as a Wellness Instructor at the University of Richmond.
Lisa reminded us that good health and high performance start with honoring the body’s natural rhythms—especially sleep. Her perspective? No pill or supplement can compensate for consistently burning the candle at both ends.
She shared tools for reclaiming rest as a priority:
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Establishing consistent sleep and wake times
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Cutting back on screens before bed
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Using herbs and natural remedies to support calm
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Creating an evening routine that helps you wind down
The Myth of Sacrificing Sleep for Success
Lisa’s insights echoed what the research has been telling us: high performers don’t cheat sleep—they protect it.
If you’re curious to learn more about how sleep affects performance, the Sleep Foundation offers a solid overview backed by science.
At The Well, we support your entire wellness journey—not just your workouts. That includes encouraging the habits that help you feel, move, and live better. If you’re navigating the pressure to overperform and under-rest, we’re here to help you strike a healthier balance.
