How does sleep affect ambition?

A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Sex Roles reveals that women’s ambition and drive for success are closely tied to their sleep quality. Researchers found that how well women sleep significantly influences their mood and, in turn, their aspirations for more status and responsibility at work. Interestingly, the same connection wasn’t observed in men.

The study involved full-time employees who completed surveys twice daily over ten days. In the morning, participants assessed their sleep quality and mood from the previous night. Later, they reported their desire for greater influence and responsibility at work. Both men and women had nights of good and bad sleep, with no overall gender difference in sleep quality.

However, the results revealed a striking gender disparity in how sleep impacts career ambitions. For women, a good night’s sleep boosted mood and increased their drive to pursue professional growth. Conversely, poor sleep was linked to a lower mood and diminished career aspirations. For men, the quality of sleep had no measurable effect on their ambition.

Why the difference? The researchers propose that societal norms and emotional processing may play a role. Men, often socialized to suppress emotions, might be better at compartmentalising a bad mood, maintaining consistent ambition even after poor sleep. Women, however, are more likely to respond to the mood-enhancing effects of quality rest, making sleep an essential factor in how they approach their careers.

This study highlights an important takeaway for women: sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic tool for achieving success. But every woman is unique, and so are her sleep needs. By understanding and prioritising what works best for their bodies, women can harness the full benefits of quality rest to fuel their ambitions.

Ambition and success don’t have to come at the expense of well-being. For women, finding the right balance begins with recognising the power of sleep—not just to restore energy, but to elevate mood, sharpen focus, and fuel the drive to achieve what matters most.

After all, as you map out your goals, remember: the foundation of thriving starts with how well you rest. Therefore, make sure you create a lifestyle that do not neglect daily habits that bolster both sleep quality and mood, such as exercise and a healthy diet.

Reference: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-022-01321-1