Japanese Man Claims He Only Needs 30 Minutes of Sleep Each Day
Daisuke Hori, a man from Japan, has been practicing an extreme sleep regimen for the past 12 years, claiming he only sleeps 30 minutes a day. This practice, according to Hori, allows him to maximize his waking hours, which he uses for activities such as training at the gym for 16 hours each week.
Defying conventional wisdom on sleep
Despite widespread advice that adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal health, Hori argues that the quantity of sleep is less important than its quality. He believes he has trained his brain and body to function normally on minimal sleep and insists that he never feels tired. To avoid drowsiness, he suggests engaging in physical activity or drinking coffee an hour before eating.
Hori uses examples from professions that require high levels of focus, such as doctors and firefighters, to support his claim that high-quality sleep can be more beneficial than longer sleep durations. He notes that these professionals often get little rest but maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.
Promoting ultra-short sleep
Eight years ago, Hori founded the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association, where he teaches people how to sleep less. Over 2,100 students have reportedly adopted his methods, reducing their sleep significantly without experiencing negative effects. For instance, one of his students reduced her sleep from eight hours to just 90 minutes a night over the last four years and claims she feels better than ever.
Japan’s Yomiuri TV featured Hori in a reality show, observing him wake up fully refreshed after just 26 minutes of sleep.
Controversy and health concerns
Hori’s unconventional sleep habits have sparked debate on social media. Some people admire his ability to function on so little sleep and are eager to learn his methods. However, others are concerned about potential health risks, particularly the strain that such extreme sleep deprivation might place on the heart.
Medical professionals generally recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night to ensure the body and brain have adequate time to recover and to minimize the risk of heart disease.