There was a time—not that long ago—when I wore my sleepless nights like a badge of honor. If I got six hours, it was basically an accomplishment. Five? Even better. Coffee was my personality, under-eye concealer was my war paint, and I’d proudly answer emails at 11:48 p.m. just to prove I could.

Let’s just say: she’s dead now. We love her, but she’s gone.

Somewhere between burnout #3 and a very tearful conversation with my skincare mirror, I realized something radical: I need sleep. Like, real sleep. The non-negotiable, 7-to-9-hours kind. The kind where your brain doesn’t feel like mashed peas in the morning and you don’t immediately want to cry at the sight of a traffic light.

It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t come with a cute tote bag or a punchy quote for Instagram. But sleep is everything.

The Soft Power of Rest

You know what’s actually powerful? Being rested enough to finish a sentence without forgetting why you walked into a room. Having the energy to create something—anything—besides another to-do list. Waking up without needing to scroll your soul back into existence.

That’s what sleep gives you. Quiet power. Mental clarity. An actual shot at a good mood before 9 a.m.

And don’t even get me started on the skin. Chef’s kiss.

Hustle Culture’s Quiet Lie

I used to think that skipping sleep made me look driven. Focused. Unstoppable. But you know what actually makes you unstoppable? Being able to function. Our bodies aren’t built to run on stress hormones and matcha alone.

Hustle culture told us sleep was optional. Science says otherwise.

Sleep strengthens your immune system. It improves memory. It helps regulate hormones, balances moods, and even supports healthy metabolism. (Yes, your sleep is quietly doing the work your fifth “detox” never could.)

My Sleep Routine (AKA: My New Favorite Ritual)

Okay, let’s be real. I’m not perfect. I still occasionally doom-scroll at 10:03 p.m. or say “just one more TikTok” like I’ve learned nothing. But I’ve gotten better. And more intentional.

Here’s what’s helped:

For my ADHD brain, no screens after 9:30 and listen to a podcast to get my eyes off the screen even though my brain wants to be active. Magnesium before bed. Not sexy, but now I wake up 5am to get to my 6am workout classes! Saying “no” to things that keep me up—mentally and emotionally.

Sleep Isn’t Lazy. It’s Loving.

I used to think prioritizing sleep meant I wasn’t working hard enough. Now I realize it means I’m caring for myself in the deepest way. And let’s be clear: a well-rested woman is a dangerous thing. In the best way.

So here’s your permission slip—if you need one—to turn the phone off, light the candle, and go to bed. Not because you’re weak. Because you’re wise.

And because no one writes their magnum opus on four hours and a stress rash.

Sweet dreams 💤