The sleep industry has seen substantial growth, fueled by a wide array of products aimed at enhancing sleep quality, including innovative alarm clocks, high-end mattresses, wearable devices that track sleep stages, and melatonin subscriptions. But how much should we really invest in achieving better sleep?
In the final episode of season eight of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro speaks with sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, addressing various questions surrounding sleep culture and its impact on our well-being. They explore topics such as the surprising magnitude of the sleep market, the effectiveness of sleep products, the biological necessity of sleep, and the processes occurring in our minds and bodies during sleep.
Dr. Breus, a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist, discusses the historical context of sleep and its evolution in modern society. He notes that factors like stress, technological distractions, and increased working hours have led to a rise in insomnia, transforming how sleep is experienced today compared to previous generations.
Rocio highlights the common struggles many face, including the temptations of digital devices at night that disrupt sleep patterns. Dr. Breus explains the importance of mitigating these distractions and shares practical strategies to help improve sleep quality. He underscores the value of understanding individual sleep needs, transitioning the focus from merely accumulating hours of sleep to enhancing its quality.
They also delve into cultural differences in sleep habits, discussing how societal structures have shaped people’s sleeping patterns throughout history, including the practice of biphasic sleep during medieval times.
Dr. Breus emphasizes the significance of consistency in sleep schedules and offers actionable tips on minimizing caffeine and alcohol intake, optimizing exercise routines, and the advantages of morning sunlight exposure for regulating circadian rhythms.
As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to take an active role in their sleep health, highlighting that with some intentional lifestyle changes, notable improvements can be achieved in sleep quality. For more detailed insights, Dr. Breus suggests visiting his website and taking a chronotype quiz, which can help individuals better understand their personal sleep preferences and needs.