Sleep - The gap between stress and performance

how are you really showing up for yourself?

Last week I had the privilege of speaking to a group of Australia’s top real-estate agents at a conference titled Thrive25. Now, you might think that for agents it’s all about the hustle. But the facilitator who brought me in is focused on not just surviving but thriving in a competitive market. He is all about what’s happening on the inside not just the flashy cars and designer hand bags (nothing wrong with them but they are no use to you if stress is slowly killing you), enter Tiffany. I shared with them how sleep is the missing link between stress and performance.

High performers often live in a state of constant “go” - late-night calls, early inspections, adrenaline-fueled negotiations, racing thoughts that keep you awake.

When your nervous system stays switched on, the short-term effect is stress and poor sleep.Long-term, it can lead to burnout, anxiety even heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Sleep isn’t downtime, it’s the ultimate performance enhancer. It effects:

• Productivity: Just a few nights of poor sleep can drop your output by 20%.

• Immunity: Sleep-deprived? You’re 3× more likely to get sick.

• Brain health: Your brain has no lymphatic system - it clears toxins during deep sleep. This process helps prevent harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s.

• Decision-making: Without enough sleep, your brain is literally impaired - slower reaction times, fuzzier thinking, and poorer judgment.

This isn’t about being “a little tired.” It’s about protecting your performance today and your long-term health.

You don’t need more hustle. You need stronger foundations:

• Deep, restorative sleep

• Daily stress-release strategies that fit into your real life

• Sustainable energy

When the inside is right, your mind, body and nervous system - your outside success is unstoppable.

You don’t need a sleep clinic. Small steps make a big difference.

Here’s where to start:📱 Switch off screens 60 mins before bed, no work, no phone🌙 Keep a consistent sleep/wake time to train your body clock☕ Cut caffeine after 2pm (yes, even chocolate)🍋 Swap coffee for lemon water in the morning to reset your system🫁 Try slow, box breathing before bed to calm your nervous system

Why Meditation Matters

Meditation is one of the fastest, most effective ways to release built-up stress and reset your nervous system.

• It removes tension and fatigue from the body

• Lowers cortisol and balances hormones

• Supports deep, restorative sleep

I loved seeing the shift in the room when people realised: This isn’t about doing more - it’s about recovering better.

If you or your team are feeling the strain of stress and poor sleep, and lets be honest 1 in 3 are, reach out. It’s never too late to start building a stronger foundation.

in solid sleep and strong foundations

Tiff x