There is significant financial potential in the sleep industry, with products ranging from advanced alarm clocks and luxurious mattresses to REM-tracking devices and subscription services for melatonin. However, the question remains: is it wise to heavily invest in these products just to improve our sleep?
In the latest episode of a popular podcast, host Rocio Fabbro engages with Dr. Michael Breus, a renowned sleep specialist, to delve into various sleep-related questions that often keep people awake at night. The episode seeks to understand the reasons behind the booming sleep market, whether these products help us rest, the biological necessity of sleep, and the processes occurring in our bodies during sleep.
Dr. Breus, who is a double board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep expert, explains the evolution of insomnia and how society’s increasing stress levels contribute to sleeping difficulties. He attributes much of the insomnia epidemic to modern distractions and environmental factors, including excessive screen time and lifestyle choices like alcohol and cannabis consumption.
Listeners learn that sleep is historically influenced by cultural norms, such as biphasic sleep practices observed in medieval times, where individuals would sleep in two phases, allowing them to perform tasks during nighttime awakenings. Dr. Breus also discusses the genetics behind sleep preferences, known as chronotypes, which can affect sleep patterns and quality.
Many misconceptions about sleep persist, particularly the notion that everyone needs precisely eight hours of sleep. Instead, Dr. Breus emphasizes the importance of paying attention to one’s body and how one feels upon waking. He provides a five-step plan for improving sleep hygiene, including maintaining a consistent wake-up time, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and ensuring proper hydration and sunlight exposure in the morning.
Looking forward, Dr. Breus is optimistic about advancements in sleep medicine, such as new pharmaceuticals and technology that could aid sleep improvement, while underscoring the responsibility individuals have in managing their sleep health.
The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to explore their sleep patterns and chronotypes through an online quiz, encouraging a better understanding of their own sleep behaviors.