The sleep industry is rapidly expanding, driven by a growing public interest in improving sleep quality. Products ranging from high-tech gadgets and luxury mattresses to melatonin subscriptions are gaining popularity. However, this raises the question of whether investing heavily in these items will genuinely enhance our sleep.
In the season finale of the eighth season of the Quartz Obsession podcast, hosts consulted with Dr. Michael Breus, a double board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, to explore various aspects surrounding sleep, including its significance, the current state of the industry, and the physiological processes occurring while we sleep.
Dr. Breus noted that insomnia rates are rising, largely due to modern-day stressors. Historically, sleep disorders were less recognized, and factors such as the invention of the light bulb fundamentally changed sleep habits. Consequently, contemporary lifestyles filled with distractions contribute significantly to sleep issues.
The podcast delved into the impacts of screen time before bed, which can stifle sleep quality. Dr. Breus highlighted the importance of minimizing engaging activities, such as scrolling on social media, right before sleep. In fact, he emphasized the advantages of having a television on across the room rather than holding a phone close to one’s face at night.
The conversation also touched on cultural differences in sleep practices, such as the prevalence of siestas in Latin American cultures or the historical practice of biphasic sleep, where individuals would wake up during the night to do work before returning to slumber.
Dr. Breus explained that understanding one’s chronotype—whether someone is a morning person, night owl, or somewhere in between—can help tailor sleep strategies that align better with an individual’s natural rhythms. He promoted techniques like maintaining a consistent wake-up time and establishing healthy routines, including proper exercise and dietary choices, to improve sleep quality.
The episode concluded with insights about promising areas of research in sleep medicine. Dr. Breus discussed advances in pharmaceuticals and behavioral therapies aimed at treating insomnia, alongside the potential role of AI in improving sleep tracking and treatment.
Listeners were encouraged to explore their own sleep habits and to implement practical strategies to foster better sleep.