The sleep industry is thriving as more people search for solutions to improve their sleep quality. With a plethora of products like advanced alarm clocks, high-end mattresses, sleep tracking devices, and melatonin subscriptions, one can’t help but question the soundness of investing heavily in these offerings.
In the final episode of Season 8 of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro welcomes sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus to delve into various questions surrounding sleep. They discuss the reasons behind the vast market dedicated to sleep aids, the effectiveness of these products, the necessity of sleep, and the biological processes involved during dreaming.
Dr. Breus, a double board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep expert, explains that the rise in insomnia correlates closely with increased stress levels in modern society, both in the U.S. and globally. He notes that factors such as late-night screen time, alcohol consumption, and medical conditions significantly impact sleep quality.
The conversation reveals that societal perceptions of sleep have evolved over the decades, tracing back to the influence of inventions, such as the light bulb, on sleep patterns. Historically, people had different sleep schedules, including biphasic sleep, where they would wake up in the middle of the night. Dr. Breus emphasizes that current sleeping habits have drastically changed, and societal stress contributes to insomnia.
Rocio and Dr. Breus examine poor sleep habits, with the doctor identifying the common mistake of reaching for electronic devices when struggling to sleep. His advice includes avoiding such distractions and setting up a conducive sleep environment.
The expertise shared during the episode also highlights the mental and physical repercussions of chronic insomnia. Dr. Breus offers practical sleep strategies to improve sleep hygiene, such as sticking to a consistent wake-up time, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and ensuring proper hydration.
Looking ahead, the future of sleep research appears promising, with potential advancements in both pharmaceuticals and technology that may help individuals achieve better sleep. Dr. Breus encourages listeners to take charge of their sleep by adopting simple changes.
As the episode wraps up, listeners are urged to educate themselves on sleep health and its vital role in overall well-being. Through awareness and practical adjustments, individuals can transform their sleep experience for the better.