Coinciding with World Sleep Day on 14 March 2025, Heartfulness and TiE Global have released a survey highlighting the growing sleep crisis among entrepreneurs.
Surveying 260 respondents (200+ entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and 50+ tech professionals) across five major Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune—the findings reveal that 55% of startup founders and business leaders struggle with sleep. The relentless demands of long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and financial uncertainties drive stress and burnout, impacting productivity and overall well-being.
The effects of sleep deprivation extend far beyond just feeling tired. Over 80% of respondents surveyed admitted that poor sleep significantly impacts their job performance, concentration, and workplace relationships. For entrepreneurs, however, the consequences are even more severe, with sleep deprivation impairing critical business functions like decision-making, creativity, and resilience—essential to business success.
Many entrepreneurs also reported frequent sleep disturbances, with 19% rating their sleep quality as poor or very poor. Additionally, more than 26% of professionals are getting less than six hours of sleep per night, a problem that is even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Stress and anxiety have been identified as the leading causes of sleep difficulties, surpassing even the impact of screen exposure before bedtime. Half of the respondents reported moderate to elevated levels of stress and anxiety, with business pressures, funding challenges, and team management responsibilities contributing to elevated stress levels that make it difficult for entrepreneurs to unwind and achieve quality rest.
Daaji – guide of Heartfulness and president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, emphasized the profound nature of sleep, he said, “Sleep is not merely rest but a sacred journey—an opportunity for the mind, body, and soul to rejuvenate. It is during sleep that the burdens of the ego loosen, allowing us to align with a deeper consciousness. Entrepreneurs who cultivate healthy sleep practices will discover a profound shift—not only in their well-being but in their ability to lead with wisdom, creativity, and balance. In this state of deep rest, intuition strengthens, clarity emerges, and the mind awakens to greater possibilities”
Murali Bukkapatnam, chair of the TiE Global board of trustees said, “Entrepreneurs and startup founders often sacrifice sleep in their pursuit of success, but this survey highlights the tangible impact of sleep deprivation on productivity, decision-making, and overall performance. TiE Global is excited to partner with Heartfulness in offering these workshops to our chapters across the globe. Together, we are committed to providing resources that support entrepreneurs in achieving a healthier work-life balance, which is key to sustainable success.”
