Sleep is a lucrative industry, with consumers spending on products like sunrise alarm clocks, luxury mattresses, REM-tracking devices, and melatonin subscriptions. However, the question arises whether it is wise to invest so heavily in achieving better sleep.
In the season finale of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro invites Dr. Michael Breus, a renowned sleep specialist, to discuss pressing sleep-related issues: the growth of sleep-related markets, the effectiveness of various sleep aids, and the fundamental need for sleep itself. Dr. Breus, known for his expertise in insomnia and sleep psychology, provides insights into how our understanding of sleep has evolved.
Dr. Breus explains that the modern concept of insomnia differs significantly from that of previous generations. He attributes the rise in sleep disorders to inventions like the light bulb and the culture of overtime work, which disrupted natural sleep patterns. Stress, both globally and individually, is a significant contributor to insomnia, with environmental factors, screen usage, and substance intake also playing roles.
Rocio shares her struggle with late-night scrolling on social media, which Dr. Breus labels a “cardinal sin” for those trying to improve sleep. He clarifies that while the light from screens does have an impact, the real problem lies in the engagement and stimulation that comes from using devices at night.
Dr. Breus, who holds a unique blend of clinical psychology and medical certification in sleep medicine, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s chronotype—how our genetic predisposition affects our sleep patterns. He categorizes different chronotypes and explains how adapting to them can significantly improve sleep quality.
He also discusses historical perspectives on sleep, noting that practices like biphasic sleep—where individuals would wake up in the middle of the night for various activities—were common until societal changes altered sleep patterns.
In addressing misconceptions about sleep, Dr. Breus points out that not everyone needs eight hours of sleep. Instead, individuals should focus on how they feel upon waking rather than adhering to arbitrary sleep duration standards.
To facilitate better sleep, Dr. Breus offers a practical five-step plan, which includes maintaining a consistent wake-up time, managing caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and integrating morning routines that enhance alertness.
As for the future of sleep medicine, Dr. Breus anticipates advancements in pharmacology and technology, predicting that genetic understanding of sleep will lead to more tailored treatments.
In closing, Dr. Breus underscores the importance of personal responsibility in achieving better sleep, urging listeners to implement his straightforward advice for a more restful night.
For more insights from Dr. Breus and practical sleep tips, listeners are encouraged to visit TheSleepDoctor.com and take the Chronotype Quiz to better understand their unique sleep needs.