The idea that we need around six to eight hours of sleep for optimal health is widely accepted. However, a Japanese man named Daisuke Hori is challenging this notion by claiming to function on just 30 minutes of sleep per day for over a decade. His reasoning? To improve work efficiency and effectively “double” his life. But can this extreme approach truly be beneficial?
Hori, a 40-year-old entrepreneur from Hyogo prefecture, claims to have trained his body and brain to function normally with minimal sleep. He began reducing his sleep 12 years ago, seeking to maximize his active hours. “As long as you exercise or drink coffee an hour before eating, you can stave off drowsiness,” Hori was quoted as saying.
To investigate Hori’s claims, Japanese television show “Will You Go With Me?” followed him for three days, documenting his daily routine. The program showcased Hori sleeping for a mere 26 minutes, waking up feeling rejuvenated, and going about his day, including work and a gym session.
Hori asserts that his minimal sleep practice has significantly increased his work efficiency. He believes that high-quality sleep, rather than long sleep, is key to maintaining focus. He cites professionals like doctors and firefighters, who work with short rest periods while maintaining high efficiency.
His unique approach has inspired others. In 2016, Hori established the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association, offering classes on his methods. Over 2,100 students have enrolled, aiming to become ultra-short sleepers. One student reported reducing her sleep from eight hours to 90 minutes, a habit maintained for four years while maintaining good physical and mental health.
While the phenomenon has sparked interest and debate online, experts caution against the potential health risks of such extreme sleep schedules.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a genetic mutation allowing individuals to function on fewer than 6.5 hours of sleep without negative health consequences is extremely rare, affecting only about one in 25,000 people. For the vast majority, seven hours of sleep per night is considered the minimum for optimal health.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed sleep recommendations based on age groups:
* Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours (including naps)
* Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
* Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps)
* Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours (including naps)
* School-age children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
* Teenagers (13-17 years): 8-10 hours
* Adults (18-60 years): 7 or more hours
* Older adults (61-64 years): 7-9 hours
* Seniors (65+ years): 7-8 hours
Guo Fei, a neurologist at Huazhong University of Science and Technology Xiehe Shenzhen Hospital, emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep for both physical and mental well-being. He warns that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to memory decline, weakened immunity, mood disorders, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
While Hori’s claim of functioning on 30 minutes of sleep has gained attention, it’s crucial to remember that his approach is not a sustainable or recommended practice for most individuals. Experts advise following evidence-based sleep guidelines for optimal health and well-being.
