On March 8, 1917, a significant event unfolded in Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg). Women textile workers took to the streets, demanding 'bread and peace.' This strike, fueled by food shortages, harsh working conditions, and the toll of World War I, quickly escalated into mass protests that played a crucial role in igniting the February Revolution, a pivotal moment in Russian history.
This historic uprising coincided with International Women's Day, underscoring the power of collective action led by women.
More than a century later, visionary women are challenging the notion that greatness is born from exhaustion. From political leaders to cultural icons, their stories resonate with modern science: rest is the fuel for resilience and success.
You see, prioritizing rest is not an indulgence but a strategy for transformation. After all, societal or personal revolutions require clarity, energy, and strength, making rest a non-negotiable.
In honour of Women's History Month, this article will examine how some of modern history's most remarkable women have harnessed rest as a tool for success and how you can do the same.
Gwyneth Paltrow's "Clean Sleeping" Revolution
In her 2016 book Goop Clean Beauty, Gwyneth Paltrow positions sleep as non-negotiable as organic eating. She called it "the ultimate act of self-respect."
Her sleep routine is grounded in banishing screens from the bedroom—phones, laptops, TVs, all those devices. She argues that blue light suppresses melatonin production, which is backed up by Havard research, which shows that blue light sabotages melatonin production twice as long as exposure to green light.
Instead of exposing yourself to blue light, replace the screens with candlelit reading or journaling. This allows you to tap into your body's primal wind-down cycle.
One of Gwyneth's most debated rules is no food after 8 p.m., which isn't about diet culture, as most people think. Late-night eating forces the gut to focus on digestion rather than cellular repair, which causes the body to tamper and confuse itself by focusing on the wrong thing at the right time.
In a Sirius XM interview, Paltrow said, "For me, sleep is a major thing. I don't always get it, and when I don't, I look like I've been hit by a truck." This revelation shows what we all go through sometimes. We fail to rest and perform our tasks to the best of our abilities, showing just how vital rest is.
We can't always get enough sleep every day. Imperfection is allowed. However, consistency matters, and we should all prioritize sleep and be consistent with it.
Oprah Winfrey's Sacred Sundays
Oprah Winfrey has built an empire while moving across time zones. However, during all those times of movement and chaos, she always treats her sleep as a sacred contract.
One of her best sleep tools is having Sundays reserved for sleep. In a keynote speech, she called Sundays her "non-negotiable reset button." But this isn't even the best part! She also has a digital curfew, which starts at exactly 8:30 p.m. During this period, her devices are silenced, lights are dimmed, and the thermostats are set to 65°, which the National Sleep Foundation links to faster sleep onset.
One thing that always impresses me about Oprah is her ability to start her day without an alarm. She mentioned that alarms make her agitated. They remove the stillness from the morning, removing her focus from what's in her presence.
All these practices not only enhance rest. They are also linked to reclaiming one's mental clarity. They are about guarding your boundaries to allow your body to relax, replenish, and recharge.
Once your sleep cup is full, you can help fill the cups of others. This means you'll not be tired, irritated, or exhausted throughout the day. You get to be present for those you love and care for in your life.
Jennifer Aniston's Battle With the Night Owl Mind
Jennifer Aniston's journey towards sleep and filming success is nothing short of phenomenal. The actress, who is a self-proclaimed night owl, would stay up rehearsing. She admits that at some point, she battled insomnia until she redefined her relationship with sleep.
Instead of falling victim to midnight doom scrolling, she learned to banish her phone from her bedroom. She would place it in the kitchen or bathroom, allowing her mind to slow down. However, that's not entirely her full night-time routine.
To complete her nighttime ritual, a hot bath enriched with Epsom salt bath, gentle skincare, and a few minutes of meditation tie things up. That's her way of telling her mind and body it's time to rest.
So, what do we learn from this? It's all about discipline. You must set your rest goals and commit to them. When you decide that you're not going to scroll on TikTok, do exactly that. You have a body that deserves all the love, rest, and care in the world. When you attend to it, you'll see the difference.
Michelle Obama's 9 p.m. Rebellion
Even amidst the whirlwind of White House responsibilities and public engagements, Michelle Obama made one uncompromising rule: her evenings are sacred.
In her memoir Becoming, she recalls deliberately shutting down work and digital distractions before bedtime, often around 9 to 10 p.m. She aimed to ensure she was fully present for her daughters and herself.
If we look at this keenly, it isn't just about clocking out; it's a form of role compartmentalization that freed her mind from the constant buzz of emails and late-night crises. By drawing clear boundaries, Michelle preserved her mental clarity and modeled a powerful lesson in self-respect and resilience. This sense of control over your time and energy is a key part of self-care and personal development.
Her routine reminds us that true success isn't measured by ceaseless activity; it's earned through well-timed pauses that allow us to recharge. And the best part is that it all starts with giving our bodies respect by resting.
Polysleep Takeaway
The sleep strategies of these visionary women reveal a timeless truth: rest and sleep are not a luxury. They're the foundation of resilience and success.
These successful women remind us that setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and honoring our natural need for rest are non‑negotiable steps toward achieving clarity, energy, and balance. If they can redefine what it means to rest, so can you.
And here's one little secret: Changing the world begins with the courage to close your eyes, not with sleepless nights. You can start by creating an environment that entices your body to claim the rest it needs. Invest in the right mattress and pillows this women’s month.
Happy Women's Month to all of you!
