There’s a lot of money to be made in the business of sleep. Think sunrise alarm clocks, luxurious mattresses, REM-tracking wearables, and monthly melatonin subscriptions. But should we really invest so much to catch a few more Z’s?
In the final episode of season 8 of the Quartz Obsession podcast, host Rocio Fabbro discusses the booming sleep industry with Dr. Michael Breus, a double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist. The conversation seeks to unravel some key questions: why is there such a large market for sleep aids, can these products genuinely help us rest, why do we need sleep, and what occurs in our brains and bodies while we dream?
Rocio Fabbro, a staff writer at Quartz, is especially intrigued by etymology and ’90s romcoms, while Dr. Michael Breus is one of the few psychologists to pass the Sleep Medicine Boards without attending medical school.
Their discussion touches on various aspects, including the evolution of insomnia, the role of stress, the impacts of modern technology like screens, and Dr. Breus’ personal experiences and insights into sleep science. For those struggling to get a good night’s rest, Dr. Breus offers practical advice and explores both pharmaceutical and cognitive-behavioral treatments for insomnia.
Tune in for expert tips and an engaging exploration of an industry that affects us all. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Breus’ Chrono Quiz to discover your chronotype and improve your sleep quality. The Quartz Obsession podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms.