The Definitive Guide to Business

What 6 top business leaders do before bed

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There's a science to being more productive, and getting a good night's sleep is a big part of the formula.

More than one third of Americans aren't getting enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So how do we prioritize rest?

Creating an enjoyable nighttime routine is a good start. For ideas on how to unwind after work, take a look at the evening routines of six top business leaders.

Bill Gates reads for an hour.

Bill Gates
Lacy O’ Toole | CNBC

To relax after a busy day, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he likes to read for an hour before bed, even if it's late. "It's part of falling asleep," Gates once told The Seattle Times.

Sheryl Sandberg turns off her phone.

Sheryl Sandberg
David A. Grogan | CNBC

Facebook's COO Sheryl Sandberg makes sure to disconnect before bed, turning off her phone. While she told USA Today in 2011 that it's "painful" for her to do so, she does it so she doesn't get disturbed during the night.

Kenneth Chenault writes down goals.

Ken Chenault, chairman and CEO of American Express.
Lacy O'Toole | CNBC

For American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, setting goals for the next day is an important part of ending the current one. Every night before going to bed, he writes down three things he wants to accomplish the following day, according to Fast Company.

Oprah Winfrey meditates.

Oprah Winfrey
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The media mogul and businesswoman has said she mediates twice a day, once in the morning and then again before going to bed. She's even launched her own meditation app, encouraging others to adapt the practice.

Arianna Huffington takes a hot bath.

Arianna Huffington
David Orrell | CNBC

The founder of The Huffington Post decided to prioritize sleep after she was so exhausted one time that she fell and broke her cheekbone. Now she follows a strict nighttime routine. Huffington told CNBC every night she turns off her electronic devices, takes a hot bath, changes into pajamas and reads a physical book.

Joel Gascoigne goes on a short walk.

Joel Gascoigne, Buffer CEO
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Joel Gascoigne, the CEO of social media company Buffer, takes a 20-minute walk every evening before calling it a night. The quiet time lets him disconnect from work, he wrote in a company blog post in 2011.

Now learn what 9 self-made millionaires do before breakfast.