There is considerable financial opportunity within the sleep industry, with products such as sunrise alarm clocks, high-end mattresses, sleep-tracking technology, and melatonin subscriptions becoming increasingly popular. However, the question arises: is it wise to invest significantly in sleep solutions?
In the final episode of Season 8 of the Quartz Obsession podcast, sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus provides insights into this complex issue, addressing several pressing questions surrounding sleep: Why has the market for sleep products grown so large? How effective are these products in improving sleep? Why do we need sleep in the first place? And what occurs in our bodies and minds as we dream?
Dr. Breus, a double board-certified clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist who has uniquely passed the Sleep Medicine Boards without attending medical school, emphasizes the evolution of insomnia throughout history. He notes that the introduction of the light bulb by Thomas Edison significantly disrupted our natural sleep patterns. Prior to the industrial revolution, sleep disorders were rare. With the advent of night work and changes in societal structures—such as overtime pay—sleep issues began to flourish.
Today, our society grapples with elevated stress levels, which Dr. Breus claims contributes to approximately 75% of insomnia cases, while environmental factors account for the remaining 25%. The prevalence of screens and increased alcohol consumption further exacerbate sleep issues.
In discussions with Rocio Fabbro, the host of the podcast, Dr. Breus explains how the proximity of devices, like phones, in the bedroom negatively impacts sleep, encouraging a habit of “doom scrolling.” He asserts that a less stimulating environment can help create a sense of calm conducive to sleep.
Additionally, he distinguishes between falling asleep with a TV on versus using a phone. While the latter can spark engagement and disrupt sleep, the former, when placed across the room, often serves merely as a background noise that may distract from racing thoughts.
As a sleep specialist with a distinct approach, Dr. Breus combines knowledge from his psychology background with medical insights. He acknowledges that insomnia is often intertwined with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Dr. Breus shares strategies for improving sleep quality, emphasizing the importance of consistent wake times, avoiding caffeine after a certain point in the day, and refraining from alcohol close to bedtime. Ultimately, he advocates focusing on the quality of sleep rather than simply the quantity.
Innovations in research and technology indicate promising pathways forward in the fields of sleep and insomnia treatments. New medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy options are being explored to cater to patients’ needs beyond traditional practices. Dr. Breus believes that understanding the genetic components of sleep—such as chronotypes—can lead to more personalized sleep treatments, potentially changing how society approaches sleep health.
In summary, the conversation encapsulates both the challenges and nuances of modern sleep, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to sleep health in a world filled with distractions.