Daisuke Hori, a 40-year-old Japanese entrepreneur, has made headlines for his unconventional sleep schedule. For the past 12 years, Hori has been functioning on a mere 30 minutes of sleep per day. He believes this extreme sleep restriction allows him to be more productive, effectively ‘doubling’ his life. Hori attributes his ability to function on such little sleep to his self-taught techniques, claiming he has conditioned his mind and body to operate optimally on minimal rest.
Hori’s journey began 12 years ago when he started reducing his sleep to free up more time for his passions, including music, painting, and mechanical design. He now sleeps between 30 and 45 minutes each day and claims to experience no fatigue. He suggests that staying active and drinking coffee before meals helps to combat tiredness.
In 2016, Hori established the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association (JSSTA) to share his methods and insights on the relationship between sleep and health. He believes that professionals requiring intense focus, like doctors and firefighters, may benefit more from high-quality rest than from prolonged sleep durations.
Hori’s lifestyle as an ultra-short sleeper was documented by a Japanese TV show. The show followed him for several days, capturing him waking up refreshed after just 26 minutes of sleep and going about his day, even managing a gym session. Hori’s online profile states he has trained over 2,100 individuals in extreme short-sleeping techniques. One student claims to have successfully reduced her sleep from eight hours to just 90 minutes, maintaining this routine for four years without any negative effects on her skin or mental health.
While Hori’s story is fascinating, it’s important to note that his approach is highly unusual and not recommended for most individuals. Short Sleeper Syndrome (SSS) is a rare condition where individuals naturally require less sleep than average. People with SSS typically sleep for six hours or less per night but wake up feeling well-rested and energized. The Cleveland Clinic states that SSS has no known negative health effects.
However, for those without SSS, prolonged sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on overall well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, increased risk of heart problems, hormonal imbalances, and other negative consequences. While Hori’s methods may work for him, it’s crucial to remember that most people need adequate sleep for optimal health and functioning.
