The sleep industry is booming, with a wide array of products aimed at helping people achieve better rest, including sunrise alarm clocks, luxury mattresses, REM-tracking wearables, and monthly melatonin subscriptions. But is all this investment truly necessary for a good night’s sleep?
In the final episode of Season 8 of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro sits down with Dr. Michael Breus, a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist, to delve into the complexities of sleep, insomnia, and how modern distractions are affecting our ability to rest. They explore several pressing questions: Why is there such a vast market targeted at helping us sleep? Do these products work? What is the purpose of sleep, and what occurs in our bodies and minds during dreams?
Dr. Breus explains that insomnia isn’t a new issue, but its prevalence has escalated in contemporary society. The inventor of the light bulb, Thomas Edison, played a pivotal role in altering our sleep habits by enabling extended work hours into the night. This shift, alongside the introduction of overtime pay for late-night shifts, led to an increase in sleep-related problems.
The conversation reveals that stress is a significant contributor to insomnia, with Dr. Breus asserting that roughly 75% of insomnia cases are linked to stress and depression, while the remaining 25% stem from environmental factors, such as increased screen time and substance use.
Rocio shares her personal struggle with nightly distractions, referencing her habit of scrolling through Instagram during sleepless nights. Dr. Breus acknowledges this behavior, emphasizing the importance of avoiding engagement-inducing activities at bedtime and highlighting the detrimental effects of using mobile devices before sleep.
A veteran in the field, Dr. Breus combines his knowledge of psychology with clinical sleep medicine, enabling him to address both the mental health and biological aspects of insomnia. He emphasizes that sleep affects every organ system and every health condition, reinforcing the need for a better understanding of how to improve sleep quality.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Breus offers practical advice for managing insomnia, urging listeners to cultivate healthy sleep habits, such as consistent wake-up times, limited caffeine intake after 2 PM, and avoiding alcohol before bed. His emphasis on the importance of understanding one’s own sleep genetics—referred to as “chronotypes”—provides a personalized approach to tackling sleep issues.
As advancements in the understanding of sleep evolve, Dr. Breus is optimistic about the future, foreseeing innovations in sleep tracking technology, new treatment options for insomnia, and improved cognitive behavioral therapy techniques facilitated by AI.
This insightful discussion sheds light on the intricate relationship between stress, technology, and sleep, equipping listeners with knowledge to navigate their own sleep challenges more effectively.