Imagine sleeping just 30 minutes a day for over a decade and still functioning at a high level. This is the remarkable claim of Daisuke Hori, a 40-year-old entrepreneur from Hyogo, Japan, who has maintained such an extreme sleep schedule for the past 12 years.
According to Hori, this minimal sleep routine is not only a personal challenge but a way to “double” his life, as reported by South China Morning Post.
Despite the consensus that adults need 6-8 hours of sleep for optimal health, Hori asserts that his unique approach has significantly boosted his work efficiency and overall focus.
Advertisem*nt
The man’s routine includes unconventional methods. He told the outlet, “As long as you do sports or drink coffee an hour before eating, you can stave off drowsiness.”
Hori’s claims have intrigued many, leading to a reality show by Japan’s Yomiuri TV that followed him closely for three days to observe his lifestyle. The show mentioned an instance where he slept for just 26 minutes, woke up filled with energy, had breakfast, went to work, and even hit the gym.
As he continues to teach others about short sleeping through his Japan Short Sleepers Training Association, his practices challenge traditional sleep science and invite questions about the feasibility of this practice.
Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy MBBS, MD, general physician tells indianexpress.com, “Consistently sleeping only 30 minutes a day can have significant negative impacts on long-term health. Sleep is essential for various physiological processes, including brain function, memory consolidation, immune system function, and metabolic regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation, like limiting sleep to just 30 minutes a day, can lead to a host of health problems.”
Sleep is essential for various bodily functions, including physical recovery, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation. (Source: Pexels)
But, what are these health issues?
Dr Reddy explains, “One of the most immediate effects of severe sleep deprivation is impaired cognitive function. Lack of sleep affects attention, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to memory loss and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.”
Advertisem*nt
He adds, “During sleep, the body produces cytokines, proteins that help fight infections, inflammation, and stress. A lack of adequate sleep lowers cytokine production, making the body more susceptible to illness.”
Dr Reddy also notes that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. “While Mr Hori claims that sleeping only 30 minutes a day has allowed him to ‘double’ his productive life, the negative health impacts far outweigh any perceived benefits.”
“The idea that extreme sleep reduction can enhance productivity is misleading, as productivity also depends on cognitive sharpness, emotional stability, and overall health,” he adds.
Is it scientifically possible for the human body and brain to adapt to such minimal sleep?
Dr Reddy informs, “Scientifically, the human body and brain are not designed to adapt to such minimal sleep as 30 minutes a day.”
Advertisem*nt
Sleep is essential for various bodily functions, including physical recovery, cognitive processes, and emotional regulation. A minimal amount of sleep prevents adequate progression through critical sleep stages like deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement), which are crucial for restorative processes.
Extreme sleep deprivation can lead to ‘microsleeps,’ brief episodes of involuntary sleep that impair cognitive performance and are not a sustainable solution. Additionally, disrupting the body’s circadian rhythm with such minimal sleep can result in serious health issues, making it clear that extreme sleep deprivation cannot be fully adapted to without consequences.
How do practices like Hori’s affect the body’s ability to cope with extreme sleep deprivation?
“Practices like exercising or drinking coffee before meals, as mentioned by Mr Hori, may offer temporary boosts in alertness or energy but are not sustainable strategies for coping with extreme sleep deprivation,” states Dr Reddy.
While exercise can help mitigate some effects of sleep deprivation, such as fatigue, it cannot replace the restorative processes that occur during sleep.
Advertisem*nt
Drinking coffee before meals can temporarily enhance alertness and concentration by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which promote sleep. However, excessive caffeine consumption, especially when used to counteract sleep deprivation, can lead to increased anxiety, heart palpitations, digestive issues, and dependency, reminds Dr Reddy.
DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
