
Daisuke Hori, a Japanese entrepreneur, has spent the past 12 years fine-tuning his sleep routine, eventually reducing it to a mere 30 to 45 minutes each day. While most health experts recommend 6 to 8 hours of sleep for optimal function, Hori believes his unconventional approach has enhanced his productivity and focus.
His journey began with gradually cutting back on sleep to increase his daily activity time. Today, Hori not only adheres to this extreme sleep schedule but also teaches others how to achieve it through workshops at the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association, an organisation he founded in 2016.
Hori emphasizes that the quality of sleep matters more than its duration. “People in high-focus jobs, like doctors and firefighters, can perform efficiently even with shorter rest periods, as long as their sleep is high-quality,” he explains.
To date, around 2,100 individuals have attended Hori’s workshops, learning to adopt ultra-short sleep schedules. But while this phenomenon has gained attention, experts are raising concerns about its sustainability and safety.
Can the Brain Function on Just 30 Minutes of Sleep?
According to Dr. Prasanna Kumar T, a sleep medicine expert at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, individual sleep needs can vary widely. “While some adults can function on less than 6 hours of sleep, consistently getting only 30 minutes may lead to chronic sleep deprivation,” he warns. This could result in memory issues, weakened immunity, mood disorders, and heart problems.
Dr. Sachin D, a consultant in pulmonology and sleep disorders at Kauvery Hospitals, agrees. He states that although survival is possible on such limited sleep, it often comes at the cost of severe mental and physical strain. He cautions that attempting such extreme sleep reduction may be more harmful than beneficial for most people.
“Sleep plays a critical role in emotional regulation, cognitive performance, memory consolidation, and physical healing,” Dr. Kumar adds. Even though Hori may have trained his body for this, it’s unlikely that others would experience similar results without significant health risks.
Short Sleepers: Are They Gaining Health Benefits?
While some individuals naturally require less sleep, drastically reducing sleep hours can have serious consequences for both mental and physical health. According to experts, a short sleep period lacks the restorative benefits provided by a full sleep cycle, including crucial REM and deep sleep stages.
Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to various health issues such as impaired cognitive function, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can also contribute to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, as well as reduced energy, irritability, and poor decision-making.
Research consistently supports the recommendation of 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults, with this range being optimal for most people’s well-being. Dr. Sachin cites a UK study showing that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart attacks by 20% and is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and a higher risk of diabetes.
While ultra-short sleep schedules may seem appealing to some, experts advise focusing on achieving high-quality sleep, ideally between 6 to 7 hours per night, rather than drastically reducing sleep time.
There is no solid scientific evidence to suggest that sleeping only 30 minutes a day could significantly extend one’s lifespan. Instead, prioritizing good-quality rest remains the safest and most effective path to better health.