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| Illutration created and copyright by Drake Kim |
He who cannot make money shall find no sleep
In 1973, when the oil shock swept across the world, financial markets changed overnight. Countless investors lost sleep tracking oil price fluctuations. However, history proved that those who reaped the greatest profits were not the ones who stayed up all night but those who remained patient.
People often say, “The diligent make money.” But sleep deprivation is not a sign of diligence—it is a result of impatience and anxiety.
1. The Most Important Investment Factor: Sufficient Sleep
In 1999, at the height of the dot-com bubble, young venture investors sacrificed sleep to analyze the market. They believed that acting faster meant seizing opportunities. But when the bubble burst in the early 2000s, countless companies and individual investors collapsed. Interestingly, those who remained calm during the market crash were the ones who survived.
According to the Harvard Business Review, sleep deprivation significantly impairs decision-making ability. Investors who sleep only four to five hours a night function at a cognitive level similar to someone intoxicated. In other words, making investment decisions while sleep-deprived is like signing a contract while drunk.
Napoleon once said, “Sleeping less is the key to success.” Yet, in his final battle at Waterloo, he made critical strategic errors due to extreme fatigue. This was no mere coincidence.
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| Illutration created and copyright by Drake Kim |
2. Why Do Successful Investors Prioritize Sleep?
Warren Buffett reportedly sleeps more than eight hours a night. He once said, “Investing is a battle of controlling emotions.” Can one make sound decisions when emotionally unstable?
A hedge fund manager in New York meditates every morning at 7 a.m. and goes to bed before 11 p.m. The reason is simple: sleep-deprived individuals tend to underestimate risks and obsess over short-term gains. This manager minimized losses during the 2008 financial crisis precisely because he maintained a cool head.
3. Economic Disasters Fueled by Sleep Deprivation
History has shown us numerous economic catastrophes caused by sleep deprivation.
- The 1986 Chernobyl disaster: Night shift workers were suffering from extreme fatigue. Investigations later revealed that crucial operational errors were made due to exhaustion.
- The 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse: As the financial crisis peaked, investment bankers stayed up all night searching for ways to save their firms. However, sleep-deprived minds made impulsive choices rather than rational decisions, leading to one of the worst financial crises in history.
4. Invest in Sleep
Now, let’s consider a practical solution. What if we treated sleep like an investment?
- Maintain a regular sleep routine
Successful investors follow consistent sleep schedules. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps the body recover naturally. - Avoid screens before bedtime
Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia. If you constantly check financial news before bed, it may be time to break that habit. - Exercise to improve sleep quality
Regular exercise promotes deep sleep and enhances focus the next day. - Regulate caffeine intake
While coffee is a staple among investors, excessive caffeine leads to sleep issues. - Invest in a good mattress and pillow
Warren Buffett once said, “A comfortable bed is the best investment.” A quality sleep environment maximizes productivity.
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| Illutration created and copyright by Drake Kim |
Sleeping well is not laziness; it is an investment and the first financial strategy we should master. Free yourself from the obsession that you must stay awake to make money. In reality, those who sleep well are the ones who seize the best opportunities.
"If you can sleep peacefully at night, that is the best investment of all."
Sleep well, and make better decisions.
If you found this article valuable, stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming pieces!
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