The Four of Swords
I’ve always considered myself a night owl. In fact, I used to pride myself on working well into the early hours of the morning—“burning the midnight oil,” as they say. Whether I was brainstorming ideas for a client project, drafting content, or simply trying to stay ahead of an ever-growing to-do list, sleep was often the first thing I sacrificed. I convinced myself that I could get by on just a few hours of sleep, telling myself it wasn’t a big deal. After all, there were deadlines to meet, goals to hit, and expectations to exceed.
But here’s the thing about that kind of thinking: It doesn’t work as well as we hope. In fact, it does the opposite. Lack of sleep isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it has profound effects on our mental clarity, physical health, and productivity.
But not everything is about productivity and goalsgoalsgoals. Sleep is more than just a physical need; it’s a sacred time for renewal, a chance for our spirit to reset and process what we’ve experienced. Without rest, our souls have no space to rejuvenate, heal, or integrate the lessons of the day.
The Wake-Up Call
A few months ago, I hit a breaking point. Despite my best efforts to keep pushing through the exhaustion, I started noticing the toll it was taking on me. I was having a harder time concentrating on tasks, and it felt like I was walking through a fog all day. Small decisions took longer, and I found myself zoning out in the middle of conversations. My energy levels were at an all-time low, and I wasn’t able to focus as clearly as I had before. My doctor was concerned and, honestly, so was I.
I knew I was spinning my wheels. I realized my productivity wasn’t just about working harder or longer; it was about working smarter. And I knew that the key to unlocking my full potential wasn’t more late nights—it was more sleep. Not because sleep would allow me to be better at my job, but because denying my physiological and spiritual needs, missing out on time with my daughter, and making myself sick were not aligned with the vision I had when I started my business.
The First Week of Prioritizing Sleep
I decided to take action. I committed to a week of proper sleep—no more staying up late to “finish just one more thing.” I made sleep a non-negotiable priority in my schedule. The first few days were tough, to be honest. I had this nagging feeling that I was wasting precious hours by going to bed early, like I was somehow falling behind. But I stuck with it.
By the end of the first week, something amazing happened: I felt…better. I woke up ready to start my day instead of wondering how it could possibly be time to wake up already. My mind was sharper. I was able to tackle tasks with focus and creativity I hadn’t felt in weeks. I noticed an immediate improvement in my mental clarity. Decisions that had been difficult to make in the past were now coming to me naturally. I was more patient, more present, and more engaged with my work.
Most surprising of all? My productivity skyrocketed.
It wasn’t that I suddenly had more hours in the day—after all, I was still getting the same 24 hours. It was that the hours I did have were now more effective. I could accomplish more in less time because I was operating from a place of mental clarity, not exhaustion.
The Nine of Swords
Okay, realistically? Sometimes there are going to be bursts of creative energy and sometimes I’m still going to stay awake working on projects during twilight hours. But it shouldn’t be the norm. And let’s be honest … if it is … it’s probably not creative passion that’s driving the urge to refuse ourselves rest. So what is driving that urge?
Is it a need to deliver and make others happy?
Is it a need to find value in ourselves through productivity?
Is it a need to feel that we’ve “earned” a high quality life by working ourselves into the ground?
Is it a need to avoid the anxiety and uncertainty we feel when we hold still?
The Hidden Costs of Sleep Deprivation
If you’re not interested in digging into the inner factors that drive your urge to work when your body is asking you to rest, at least consider the health consequences. Sleep deprivation isn’t just about feeling tired—though that’s certainly part of it. It has far-reaching consequences on both our mental and physical health. Here are a few of the things I learned:
1. Mental Clarity Takes a Hit
Sleep is essential for cognitive function. When we don’t get enough rest, our ability to focus, think critically, and make decisions suffers. Research has shown that sleep deprivation impairs our memory, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. I noticed this firsthand: tasks that once seemed simple took longer to complete, and I found myself second-guessing every decision I made. The more tired I was, the more unclear my thinking became.
2. Your Health Pays the Price
Chronic sleep deprivation can have serious long-term health consequences. Studies link poor sleep with a range of issues, including a weakened immune system, higher stress levels, increased risk of heart disease, and even weight gain. After weeks of running on fumes, I started to feel it physically—frequent headaches, a tight neck, and lower energy throughout the day. I didn’t realize how much better I could feel until I started sleeping properly.
3. Productivity Drops
It’s easy to think that working longer hours is the key to getting more done, but the opposite is true. Lack of sleep can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. According to studies, sleep-deprived individuals are less efficient, more prone to mistakes, and slower in completing tasks. I learned this the hard way: the more I pushed through the exhaustion, the less I accomplished in the long run.
The Aftermath: A New Approach to Work and Life
After that first week of prioritizing sleep, I realized that I had been working against myself all along. I had been fooled into thinking that my late-night hustle was a sign of dedication, when in reality, it was hindering my performance and causing me to miss out on the valuable insight I often gain through dreams.
Now, I don’t just aim for 7-8 hours of sleep—I protect it like it’s the most important meeting on my calendar. I’ve established a firm cut-off time for work each evening, and I focus on creating a calming routine before bed. It’s not always easy, but the benefits have been undeniable.
You Deserve Rest
I’ve found that when I prioritize rest, my brain has a chance to rest and reflect without the hindrance of my ego. I integrate information while I’m asleep in a way that allows me to approach projects with a fresh perspective. I’m more focused, more energized, and more creative. I’ve learned that sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And if you want to be your best—whether at work or in life—making sleep a priority is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
So, if you’re still pushing through late nights and trying to “get by” on less sleep, I encourage you to reconsider. Your brain, your body, and your productivity will thank you.
Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to simply close your eyes and rest.
- Tarot images are from The Everyday Witch’s Tarot by Deborah Blake and Elisabeth Alba Illustration ↩︎
