The Weary Founder: Sleep Problems, ADHD-Like Tendencies, and Entrepreneurial Intentions

• Published in: Entrepreneurship theory and practice Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 175 - 210
• Main Authors: Gunia, Brian C., Gish, J. Jeffrey, Mensmann, Mona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-01-2021; Sage Publications, Inc; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Biopsychosocial aspects; Business ownership; Businesspeople; Entrepreneurs; Entrepreneurship; Founding; Health aspects; Influence; Physiology; Psychological aspects; Sleep disorders; United States; United Kingdom; sleep; entrepreneurial intentions; ADHD-like tendencies
• ISSN: 1042-2587; 1540-6520
• DOI: 10.1177/1042258720940502

Scholars have persuasively documented the positive influence of ADHD-like tendencies (the impermanent experience of ADHD-like symptoms) on entrepreneurial intentions. Yet, we know little about the causes of ADHD-like tendencies, and thus about factors that could heighten entrepreneurial intentions through such tendencies. Drawing from the biopsychosocial model, sleep physiology literature, and entrepreneurship literature, we propose that the biological experience of sleep problems may heighten the psychological experience of ADHD-like tendencies, which could nudge people toward the socially-embedded intention to venture. Four studies and a mini meta-analysis provide support, extending several literatures and suggesting that sleep problems could contribute to business founding.