The sleep industry is thriving, with an array of products designed to enhance sleep quality, from advanced alarm clocks to luxurious mattresses and sleep-tracking devices. However, the essential question arises: is it worth investing significantly in these solutions for better rest?
In the latest episode of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro speaks with Dr. Michael Breus, a renowned clinical psychologist and a clinical sleep specialist, to explore various aspects of sleep that often keep people awake at night. Some of the questions addressed include the extensive market for sleep products, the efficacy of these items, the biological need for sleep, and the processes occurring in our bodies and minds while we slumber.
Dr. Breus, known as the “Sleep Doctor,” shares insights on insomnia’s increasing prevalence in today’s fast-paced world, suggesting that rising stress levels are a main contributor. He highlights that many sleep-related issues were not recognized until the introduction of electric light, which drastically altered sleep patterns and habits. According to him, modern distractions, including technology use and lifestyle choices, have a significant impact on sleep health.
Dr. Breus explains that while some people can function on less sleep, there is no universally required amount. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to rest. Rocio shares her struggle with sleep, often turning to her phone for social media activity when unable to rest, which Dr. Breus marks as a “cardinal sin.” He elaborates on the negative effects of engaging with electronic devices before bedtime and advocates for creating a calming environment as part of a proper nightly routine.
The episode provides practical advice for improving sleep, such as establishing a consistent wake-up time, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and limiting screen exposure before bed. Dr. Breus recommends a methodical approach to enhancing sleep habits while acknowledging that personalized strategies based on one’s unique biological rhythms—or chronotype—are essential for overall well-being.
Listeners are left with the understanding that a strategic blend of lifestyle adjustments and awareness of personal sleep needs can lead to a significant improvement in sleep quality and, by extension, quality of life. The conversation reinforces that better sleep is not only attainable but necessary, urging individuals to take responsibility for their sleep health in a world where quality rest is increasingly elusive.