By Marsha Ralls | CEO and Founder of The Phoenix Asheville
August 31, 2026
Published in The Phoenix Asheville Blog
We often measure wellness by how much we exercise, what we eat, or how productive we are. But I believe one of the clearest indicators of how well we are doing is much simpler: How well are we sleeping?
Sleep is when the body repairs itself, the nervous system resets, and the mind processes the experiences of the day. It affects our energy, focus, resilience, and ability to connect with others. A good night’s sleep helps us think more clearly, regulate our emotions, retain what we have learned, and respond to challenges with greater patience and perspective. It supports physical recovery, strengthens the immune system, and gives the brain an opportunity to organize memories and make sense of new information.
We can often feel the difference after just one restless night. Decisions become more difficult. Small frustrations feel larger. Creativity is harder to access, and we may find ourselves reacting to situations rather than thoughtfully responding to them. When sleep suffers consistently, nearly everything else becomes harder—our work, our relationships, our health, and even our ability to recognize what we need.
I have been reminded of this personally while recovering from a broken shoulder. From finding a position that allows me to sleep comfortably to giving myself permission to rest longer than usual, protecting my sleep has become an essential part of my recovery. Healing cannot be rushed, and sometimes the most productive thing we can do is allow the body the time it needs.
That idea runs against a culture that often treats exhaustion as a sign of ambition. We celebrate early mornings, late nights, and packed schedules as though needing less sleep makes us stronger. But sacrificing rest is not a sustainable strategy for leadership, creativity, or long-term performance. We may be able to override our need for sleep temporarily, but eventually the body keeps the score.
At The Phoenix Asheville, this is one reason we have invested so intentionally in luxurious, comfortable bedrooms. A retreat is not only about what happens during the scheduled sessions. Meaningful transformation also requires space to slow down, feel safe, integrate what we are learning, and sleep deeply.
Rest does not take us away from the work. It gives us the energy, clarity, and emotional capacity to enter the work more fully. It allows new ideas to settle, gives the body an opportunity to recover, and helps us return ready to engage with greater presence.
If we want to perform well, heal fully, and live with greater intention, sleep may be one of the most honest places to begin.
About Marsha Ralls
Marsha Ralls is an entrepreneur, transformational speaker, and founder of The Phoenix Asheville, a holistic retreat center in Asheville, North Carolina. She brings together neuroscience, mindfulness, HeartMath, wellness, and nature to create meaningful experiences that support sustainable personal and professional transformation.
With more than three decades of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, Marsha is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and create lasting change. She is also the founder of Curator of Change, a nonprofit providing scholarships for transformational programs.
