The sleep industry is experiencing significant growth, with a wide array of products such as advanced alarm clocks, high-end mattresses, sleep-tracking devices, and melatonin subscriptions targeting consumers eager to improve their rest.
In the latest episode of the Quartz Obsession podcast, the host, Rocio Fabbro, interviews Dr. Michael Breus, a highly recognized sleep expert, to dive into the complex world of sleep and insomnia. They explore a series of pressing questions, such as the reasons behind the booming market for sleep-related products, the effectiveness of these items, the necessity of sleep, and the activities occurring in our bodies during sleep and dreaming.
Dr. Breus discusses how modern society’s understanding of insomnia has evolved. He emphasizes that insomnia was virtually non-existent before the introduction of electric lighting and extended working hours, which fundamentally changed sleeping patterns. Increased stress levels, compounded by factors like excessive screen time, have also contributed to the rise in sleep disorders.
The conversation reveals key insights into common sleep habits, such as the detrimental effects of using phones late at night, dubbed “doom scrolling.” Dr. Breus suggests that screens hinder the brain’s ability to unwind and highlights alternate strategies, such as using television as white noise from a distance rather than close proximity with a phone.
Dr. Breus also illustrates the importance of understanding individual chronotypes, or natural sleep preferences, by noting that sleeping habits in various cultures can greatly influence sleep patterns. He explains how hunter-gatherer societies had distinct sleep cycles compared to modern times and how these differences inform current practices.
On a broader spectrum, potential advancements in the realm of sleep treatments are also discussed. The interview touches on the anticipated use of AI in sleep medicine, improved sleep aids, and the ongoing exploration of cognitive behavioral therapy as an effective treatment for insomnia.
Conclusively, Dr. Breus provides practical recommendations to improve sleep hygiene, stressing the importance of consistent wake-up times, limiting caffeine and alcohol, engaging in daily exercise, and ensuring natural light exposure upon waking. This pragmatic approach aims to alleviate sleep issues and enhance well-being.