Sleep is generally beneficial for most things in work, because it allows us to concentrate on the task at hand.  The interesting thing is, concentration can be fantastic for many things, but is often not so great for creativity, because our mind is more creative when it wanders.

So it’s interesting to read new research from Warwick Business School, which explores the role sleep plays in entrepreneurship.  The study suggests that a lack of sleep, while generally reducing productivity, can prompt us to start our own business.

Spurring entrepreneurship

Indeed, the analysis goes as far as to suggest that even sleep disorders could be beneficial to entrepreneurship, as sufferers would exhibit the kind of impulsiveness that is often associated with things such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  This was then linked with a higher likelihood of developing ‘entrepreneurial intentions’.

The researchers suggest this might be because the irregular sleep patterns people suffered with prompted them to have a more flexible lifestyle, and potentially even motivated them to work towards more rapid payoffs rather than the slow and steady life of salaried employment.

“Our results suggest that sleep deprivation may nudge people towards acting on their entrepreneurial ideas, rather than simply thinking about them,” the researchers say.  “We live in an increasingly sleepy world, so maybe now is the time for a more balanced discussion about the positive and negative impact of sleep deprivation.”

Controversial views

The researchers accept that their view that sleeplessness can be viewed in a positive way is controversial, they nonetheless believe it could help to challenge any stigma attached to those who struggle to maintain healthy sleep patterns.

Their findings emerged across four studies that aimed to find any links between sleep patterns, temporary ADHD-like tendencies, and one’s desire to exhibit entrepreneurial behaviors.

For instance, in one study, participants completed surveys about their sleep patterns and ADHD-like behaviors over the past six months, and also any entrepreneurialism they’ve exhibited.  They were then split into one of two groups and asked further questions about their sleep patterns.

Follow up studies then revealed that temporary sleep problems might help to induce ADHD-like tendencies, alongside a desire to start new businesses, even among experienced entrepreneurs.

“We are not advocating depriving yourself of sleep to get ahead,” the researchers caution.  “We’re saying that there appears to be an interesting link between sleep and entrepreneurship.”

“ADHD-like tendencies can be a benefit, rather than a hindrance in spurring ventures. But there is a potential downside. Even though sleep problems might lure an individual to an entrepreneurial career, if the sleep problems persist, they can subsequently leave the individual without the cognitive and emotional competency to be an effective entrepreneur in-practice.”