Why rest is essential to high performance?

Performing at an elite level isn’t just about working harder than the competition. It rests on the ability to optimize performance. This is because grinding and busyness diminish creativity, decision-making, emotional regulation and, ultimately, leadership effectiveness and productivity. Proper sleep, which the University of Cambridge defines as 7 hours per night for middle-aged and older individuals, is necessary for peak performance, cognitive functioning and psychological health. Sleep is necessary for the ability to remain strategic and think at a high level. The failure to get adequate sleep diminishes the capacity to regulate emotion. Flow requires intentional rest and recovery. Without strategic downtime, the cognitive and physiological conditions necessary for flow become harder to access. Also, this belief is a recipe for burnout, stagnation and diminished performance. Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. Your ability to think strategically, perform at your peak and lead with clarity depends on how well you maximize—not ignore—your biology.