05-05-2025
Sleep Like—Athlete & Entrepreneur Venus Williams
Sleep Like is a column in which Forbes Vetted asks entrepreneurs and tastemakers to reveal the go-to sleep essentials that help them rest, recharge and ultimately conquer their busy days.
As a world-class athlete and tennis legend, Venus Williams has always understood the power of sleep. For decades, her days were packed with intense workouts, training sessions and matches, while her nights dutifully prioritized the rest and recovery needed to prevent injury and burnout.
But in 2011, when Williams was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, a career-altering autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain, it forced her to rethink everything about her approach to wellness, including finding new ways to achieve balance despite an increasingly chaotic schedule. 'After I was diagnosed, I realized it was the small changes in my routine that really made a big difference,' says Williams. 'Wellness is not just what you eat—it's a combination of how you think, treat yourselves, treat others and move your body.'
While she has scaled back her time on the court in recent years (Williams' last official match was at the Miami Open in March 2024), she has been busy volleying between other passion projects including penning her latest book, Strive: 8 Steps To Find Your Awesome, and taking on new business ventures as the part owner and chief brand officer of the women-owned and -operated wellness company, Asutra. Still, finding those quiet moments to rest and decompress is always at the top of her to-do list. 'Taking the time to prioritize sleep and self-care is so important in my day-to-day life,' she says. 'Between traveling, training and business meetings, I'm always on-the-go, so I eat healthy and try to carve out time for a quick power nap to maintain my energy.'
Solidifying a nighttime ritual has also helped Williams maintain a higher quality of sleep once her head finally hits the pillow. 'I try to stick to a sleep schedule, even when I'm traveling—it helps my body know when it's time to wind down,' she says. 'I also make sure my environment is ideal—cool, dark and quiet—and practice relaxation techniques, like stretching or meditation, to help release any tension. And, of course, I stay mindful of what I put into my body, avoiding caffeine or heavy meals too close to bedtime. It's all about finding that balance, staying consistent and understanding your body's needs.'
Williams also relies on a stable of tried-and-true products—from breathable cotton jersey sheets to a lavender-infused eye mask—that help her fall asleep faster and stay there longer. 'I would sleep an entire day if I could,' she says. 'But with my busy schedule and always being on-the-go, I've learned that the right surroundings can make all the difference.' Ahead, shop Williams' current wellness favorites that help her stay rested and rejuvenated.
'The Cozysoft Organic Cotton Jersey Sheets from Crate & Barrel are my absolute go-to,' says Williams. 'They're so soft, breathable and keep me cool especially in the Florida heat.'
'The silk eye pillow from Asutra helps me maintain deep sleep even when I'm traveling. It's weighted with lavender buds, so it smells amazing and it has flax seeds to deeply relax you when you put it on. And, even better, it fully blocks all the light. It's a must—especially on a red-eye flight.'
'Hydrated skin is beautiful skin. I keep my Dior Capture Day Creme on my nightstand. I like to put it on at night before I go to bed and in the morning to make sure my face is moisturized throughout the day.'
'Whenever I'm lounging at the house or running quick errands, I immediately reach for my Lacoste items,' says Williams, who is currently loving these colorful cotton fleece sweatpants (right) and breezy white wide-leg track pants. 'They're comfortable, but also elevated and stylish.'
'I love adding a scoop of this to my water before bed. It helps me relax, improves my sleep and boosts overall recovery. It even helps me wake up and feel revitalized the next morning.'
Before Williams started working with Asutra, she used the brand's products regularly, including the Melt Pain Away Butter, to help with recovery after workouts. Another one of her go-to picks is this Dream The Night Away Lotion that she says truly lives up to its name. 'It's melatonin-infused with magnesium, shea butter and lemongrass, so it smells good and feels amazing on the skin. It's one of my staple products before I go to bed.'
'I always start my morning with two scoops of Happy Viking Protein in my breakfast smoothie. I love the Strawberry or Triple Chocolate flavors. You'll feel strong and energized to take on the day.'
'Staying healthy and active largely comes down to moving your body in any way you can. With WeWard, walking becomes a fun and rewarding experience, helping you stay on track with daily activity through the simplest movements.'
The decorated athlete, author and entrepreneur sounds off on limiting screen time, giving yourself grace and how to stay at the top of your game.
What's your number 1 secret to getting restful, restorative sleep on a regular basis?
'It begins with building healthy daily habits,' says Williams. 'Stick to a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a cool and comfortable sleep environment and avoid stimulating activities or screens before bed to help your body unwind and prepare for deep sleep.'
What's your best advice for someone who is striving to improve their overall wellness, but not sure where to start?
'Find a wellness routine that is the three E's—exciting, enjoyable and easy,' she says. 'It shouldn't be hard; it should be something you have fun doing. You aren't going to eat healthy or workout every day, but if you practice these good habits most of the time, that's good enough. This 80/20 approach allows for more grace and flexibility in your wellness journey.'
How has your background as an athlete helped you recognize the importance of sleep?
'As an athlete, I understand that rest and recovery are essential to staying at the top of your game,' she says. 'You can workout every day, train intensely and be at your best physical condition, but without taking the time to properly care for your muscles and give your body the rest it needs, the risk of injury becomes a very real concern.'
