The Sleepless Side of the Fashion World Nobody Talks About

Fashion’s biggest names, from designers to models, are constantly on the go. The same holds true for those who are struggling to make a go of it as they seek recognition for their creations or continue to work to one day get to the world’s biggest runways. Editors are also pulling all-nighters before big events like New York Fashion Week, and stylists are trying to keep up backstage at events. Somewhere along the way, it became normalized to reduce sleep to maintain a fast pace, relying on caffeine and adrenaline. But that’s not healthy, and it needs to change.

Here’s Why Sleeplessness has Become the Norm

In creative industries like fashion, getting only minimal sleep is generally considered normal. There are several reasons for it, including the underlying assumption that you have to hustle to make it big, and that if you’re not willing to do so, then you’re not worthy of being in the industry. 

With that comes the mantra that if you’re not willing to sacrifice for your work, whether as a designer or in another role in fashion, you’re not going to be successful. It’s a romanticized notion that only leads to burnout, and it can leave some people feeling empty. While pressure may drive you to work harder, it can actually reduce creativity, rather than boost it.

It’s Affecting Models, Editors, Stylists, and More

You never know who sleeplessness is affecting, as it’s not an issue that’s talked about. The model you met yesterday could be going on only a few hours of sleep after back-to-back flights before a photo shoot. Then there’s the stylist who was up at 3 am to iron colorful clothes before the early-morning call time. 

The fatigue is all around, but nobody’s voicing unhappiness about it for fear of appearing weak or not giving their all for the sake of fashion. While some people might think the editors are living the good life at Fashion Week, for example, they are keeping an extra pair of shoes under their desks that week because they’ll probably crash there a few times after the long workdays.

Finding New Ways to Keep Up with Busy Schedules

While the fashion world isn’t slowing down, and it likely won’t in the near future, changing how you cope may help. Small adjustments like scheduling time to rest can help. Some are trading late-night coffees for gentler solutions like sleep gummies to help unwind after a busy day, without feeling groggy when waking up in the morning. 

Drinking more water is also helpful, as is a mid-day rest. The latter can include activities like a short walk or stretching for 10 minutes. It can break up the long day and help you focus again.   

Starting to Create Change in the Fashion World: Prioritizing Sleep

It’s ironic, isn’t it, that an industry that puts ageless beauty front and center is still dismissing sleep as optional. But the science is clear when it shows sleep can improve creativity, something the fashion world needs. 

So, it’s time to start prioritizing sleep and challenging the industry’s assumption that being tired and sleep-deprived is honorable. Success in fashion doesn’t have to involve sleepless nights, and we need to challenge that notion.