Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day?
So, there’s this Japanese guy, Daisuke Hori, who’s been surviving on just 30 minutes of sleep a day for the past 12 years. It sounds like some sci-fi-level hack, right?
While most of us need a solid 6 to 8 hours of sleep to function, Hori claims he’s doubled his productivity and life span by training himself to sleep less.
Naturally, this has left people wondering: can it really work for everyone?
Well, his story has gone viral and sparked global debate, especially after Japan’s Yomiuri TV featured him in a reality show, documenting his unconventional routine. But as cool as it might seem, experts are raising their eyebrows and probably grabbing their pillows.
Here’s the big question: Is this 30-minute sleep routine actually productive, or is it a recipe for disaster?
No, it’s not. While Hori may have trained his body for ultra-short sleep, experts say this extreme schedule is more harmful than helpful for most people. Most sleep experts are giving this idea a hard pass, warning that it could lead to some serious health issues down the road. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, cognitive impairment, and weakened immunity.
Hori’s Approach: A Life Hack or an Overdrawn Lifespan?
Daisuke Hori’s claims to sleep for just 30 minutes a day stem from his desire to “double” his life. The 40-year-old from Japan’s Hyogo prefecture first started cutting back on sleep to maximize his productivity.
Over the years, he trained himself to function on minimal rest and founded the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association in 2016. He now teaches others how to adapt to this extreme lifestyle.
Hori swears by the effectiveness of high-quality, short sleep over longer sleep durations.
“People who need sustained focus in their work benefit more from high-quality sleep than long sleep,” he told The South China Morning Post. He compares himself to doctors and firefighters, who also endure shorter rest periods while maintaining efficiency.
A reality show followed Hori’s life for three days, showing him sleep for just 26 minutes one night. He woke up full of energy, hit the gym, worked, and carried on like nothing was missing. Sounds almost superhuman, right? But can it really be healthy?
Experts, however, don’t buy it.
Sleep is an essential, active process for every organ in our body. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer from Cleveland Clinic stresses that even missing 1.5 hours of sleep can affect your alertness and memory.
Trying to run on 30 minutes of sleep every day can build up serious health hazards, like increased risk for heart disease, weakened immune systems, and even mental health issues like depression.
Studies consistently show that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal function. Chronic sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you tired—it leads to physical and mental deterioration. So, while Hori’s ultra-short sleep schedule might work for him, it’s not something most people should attempt, especially long-term.
Your brain isn’t a 24/7 party animal. It needs that downtime to clear out toxins, consolidate memories, and generally get its act together for the next day. Skimping on sleep is like never taking out the trash – eventually, things are gonna get stinky.
Remember that time you pulled an all-nighter and felt like a zombie the next day?
Yeah, now imagine feeling like that… all the time. We’re talking about mood swings, memory issues, and a general “Why is the world so hard?” vibe.
Averagebeing’s Take: Some might find Hori’s method fascinating, but honestly, it’s like overdrawing your life’s energy bank. Instead of trying to cheat sleep, focus on making the most of your waking hours through better time management and self-care. Remember, life’s a marathon, not a sprint – and even marathoners need their rest!
