Pune: Coinciding with World Sleep Day on March 14, Heartfulness and TiE Global have announced a series of sleep wellness workshops aimed at addressing sleep deprivation among entrepreneurs. The initiative follows a recent survey highlighting widespread sleep struggles among startup founders, with 55 per cent reporting sleep-related issues due to work stress, financial pressures, and high-intensity decision-making.
The survey, conducted among 260 professionals across five major Indian cities, found that over 80 per cent of respondents acknowledged a direct link between poor sleep and decreased productivity. Additionally, 26 per cent of professionals reported getting less than six hours of sleep per night, with 19 per cent rating their sleep quality as poor or very poor. Stress and anxiety emerged as the leading contributors to sleep difficulties, exceeding even the impact of excessive screen time.
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Heartfulness and TiE Global will conduct a series of workshops—both virtual and in-person—across TiE chapters worldwide. The initiative will begin with a virtual session on March 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM IST, followed by in-person workshops at TiE conventions throughout the year. The sessions will introduce practical strategies such as meditation, stress management techniques, and holistic wellness approaches to help entrepreneurs improve their sleep quality.
Murali Bukkapatnam, Chair of the TiE Global Board of Trustees, underscored the importance of balancing work and rest: “Entrepreneurs often compromise sleep in pursuit of business goals, but this survey highlights its critical impact on decision-making and overall performance. Through this initiative, we aim to empower founders with the knowledge and tools to prioritize their well-being.”
Scientific research supports the link between sleep deprivation and cognitive decline, with studies indicating that business executives experience a 5-10% decline in executive function for every 45 minutes of sleep debt. Additionally, findings from the Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange reveal that inadequate sleep negatively affects creativity, decision-making, and social skills—key attributes for entrepreneurial success.