5X Ironman Eric Hinman on Why Sleep Is the Ultimate Performance Advantage and Why He Uses Ozlo

Entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and wellness investor Eric Hinman has built a life around high performance, from Ironman competitions to building and backing purpose-driven companies. For Eric, sleep isn’t about doing less, it's about showing up more fully. With the right habits, environment, and support from tools like Ozlo, better nights lead to stronger days and a more resilient, sustainable version of success.

In this Q&A, Eric shares why sleep is the non-negotiable foundation of everything he does, and how Ozlo fits into his routine.

I train upwards of 20 hours a week, run multiple businesses, and work with dozens of brands. My days are packed with calls and responsibilities, so staying mentally sharp and physically energized is essential. Sleep is non-negotiable for me—it’s like a job. Without a good night’s rest, I can’t accomplish everything I set out to do in a day.

Focusing on sleep has made me far more productive and sustainable in the long run. It’s allowed me to keep performing at a high level in my mid-40s, both in business and in my training. Sleep really is the foundation for everything I do.

The biggest challenge came during my Ironman years, between 2010 and 2014, when my training hours were extremely high. Balancing intense workouts with work and life made rest difficult, but I quickly learned that without proper sleep, performance, both physical and mental can suffer.

I’ve used earplugs for about 15 years to block city noise, partner snoring, even my dog snoring, and Ozlo Sleepbuds are a total game changer. They’re incredibly comfortable, stay in all night, and let me fall asleep to soothing sounds like “Tumbling Waters.” They block out distractions completely, making it easier to relax and truly rest.

Ozlo is perfect for busy people, high-volume athletes, or anyone under stress with elevated cortisol. If you’re constantly on the go and need to recharge, these Sleepbuds make a big difference in sleep quality and recovery.

Consistency is key. Keep a regular sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, and avoid highly stimulating environments late at night. Creating the right rhythm and environment makes all the difference.

For Eric, sleep isn’t just about rest, it’s a performance tool. From his Ironman training to running multiple businesses, prioritizing high-quality sleep allows him to show up fully, recover faster, and tackle each day with focus and energy. Tools like Ozlo Sleepbuds make it easier to create the right environment for rest, even in a busy, high-stress life. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone juggling a packed schedule, making sleep a priority can transform your days as much as your nights.