The sleep industry is thriving, with numerous products and services designed to enhance our sleep quality, including fancy mattresses, sleep trackers, and melatonin supplements. However, the pressing question remains: Should we be investing so heavily in our quest for better sleep?
In the final episode of Season 8 of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro speaks with Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, to delve into the complexities surrounding sleep and insomnia. The discussion aims to uncover why the market for sleep products is so vast, the effectiveness of these products, and the fundamental importance of sleep in our lives.
Dr. Breus explains how our understanding of insomnia has evolved, particularly noting that the advent of electric light has drastically changed sleep patterns. He highlights that stress plays a significant role in modern insomnia, accounting for about 75% of cases, while environmental factors like increased screen time also contribute to sleep difficulties.
The conversation also touches on user habits, such as using phones at night, which can worsen sleep quality. Dr. Breus advises creating a calming nighttime routine that avoids engaging activities like checking social media.
With a background that combines both clinical psychology and sleep medicine, Dr. Breus emphasizes the need for patients to understand how their thoughts and behaviors affect sleep. He explains that cognitive behavioral therapy is often more effective than medication for treating insomnia, teaching patients how to manage their thoughts around sleep.
They discuss practical strategies for better sleep, including setting a regular wake-up time, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
In a landscape filled with misconceptions about sleep, Dr. Breus aims to dispel common myths, such as the belief that everyone requires eight hours of sleep. He encourages individuals to focus on how they feel upon awakening rather than the quantity of sleep alone.
Looking forward, Dr. Breus anticipates continued advancements in sleep research, including personalized treatments based on genetic predisposition. The conversation also highlights the potential role of artificial intelligence in sleep medicine.
Listeners interested in optimizing their sleep are encouraged to take Dr. Breus’s chronotype quiz to better understand their unique sleep patterns, which can lead to improved nightly rest.
This episode concludes with Dr. Breus sharing his passion for sleep alongside his personal interests, reinforcing the idea that effective sleep management can significantly enhance one’s overall quality of life.