The sleep industry is thriving, offering everything from high-tech gadgets to premium mattresses and sleep-enhancing supplements like melatonin. However, many are questioning whether such investments truly lead to better sleep.
In the final episode of the eighth season of the Quartz Obsession podcast, Rocio Fabbro engages with sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus to explore critical questions about sleep: What’s driving the expansive market for sleep products? Do these items genuinely aid in achieving restful slumber? Why is sleep essential, and what occurs in our minds and bodies as we dream?
Dr. Breus, a double board-certified clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist, shares insights on contemporary insomnia and how stress plays a significant role in sleep disruption. He notes that since the industrial revolution, and particularly with the invention of the light bulb, people’s sleep patterns have fundamentally shifted. Once sleeping disorders became recognized, they became increasingly prevalent due to rising levels of stress and lifestyle changes, including technology’s intrusive presence.
Rocio reflects on her struggle with sleep, noting how she often turns to social media when stressed. Dr. Breus advises against this habit, explaining that the engaging nature of scrolling through social media keeps the mind active, making it harder to wind down. He recommends creating a calming “runway” or routine before sleep that helps signal the body that it’s time to rest.
The discussion also delves into the concept of chronotypes, the idea that individuals have different natural sleep and wake cycles based on genetic predispositions. Dr. Breus categorizes people into different types — lions (early birds), bears (those who wake up in the middle), wolves (night owls), and dolphins (those with irregular sleep patterns). Understanding one’s chronotype can lead to better sleep quality and overall well-being.
Dr. Breus provides practical tips to improve sleep, emphasizing the importance of waking up at the same time daily, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and engaging in regular exercise. He encourages individuals to recognize that good sleep quality is more crucial than simply accumulating hours.
Listeners are urged to take the Chronotype Quiz available on Dr. Breus’s website to gain insights into their sleep patterns and discover personalized strategies for better rest. As the episode concludes, listeners are invited to continue exploring the intriguing relationship between lifestyle choices and sleep health.