I know sleep is important, but I guess it did not occur to me, until I nearly hit burnout, how crucial one’s sleep routine is. 

I won’t sugarcoat it. 

Plain and simple, I have not been sleeping nearly enough and have no routine. 

I am the worst version of myself about 50% of the time: short, grumpy, and ill-feeling. 

My sleep begins when I collapse, and I get up when forced to. 

My mistake, I think, is confusing needed sleep for needed margin. 

I don’t need more downtime – I need a good night’s rest. 

See: Here’s Your Secret To Success: Go The F*ck To Sleep 

On the importance of routine, this passage jumped out: 

It almost doesn’t matter what the problem is, the solution is often a consistent routine. Tell a sleep expert you’re not sleeping well, that’s what they’ll suggest. Tell a psychiatrist you’ve been feeling anxious, that’s what their first question will be. Tell a productivity guru your work output isn’t where you want it, that’s where they’ll start. Tell a dog trainer your dog is acting up, that’s where they’ll start. Tell a strength trainer you want to get stronger, tell an author you want to get better at writing, tell the Stoics you want to round out the day in a calmer, more tranquil state—a consistent routine will be the answer. 

• Shower by 9.
• Phone down by 9:30.
• Read.
• Lights off at 10.

Tips: More of this, not less.