Japanese bodybuilder and entrepreneur Daisuke Hori, 40, claims to have mastered the art of functioning on just 30 to 45 minutes of sleep per night for the past 12 years. He believes this extreme sleep deprivation has “doubled” his life, allowing him to be more productive and active.
Hori, who lives in Hyogo prefecture, started reducing his sleep 12 years ago to maximize his waking hours. According to the South China Morning Post, He believes in prioritizing quality over quantity of sleep, stating that individuals who require sustained focus, like doctors and firefighters, can maintain high efficiency with shorter rest periods.
He relies on a combination of rigorous exercise and caffeine consumption to stay awake and alert throughout his 23.5-hour days. “As long as you exercise or drink coffee an hour before eating, you can avoid feeling drowsy,” he told the South China Morning Post.
Hori’s unusual lifestyle was recently documented on the Japanese reality show “Will you go with me?” where viewers witnessed him waking up refreshed and energized after just 26 minutes of sleep. He then went on to work and record a workout.
Hori’s unique approach to sleep has led him to establish the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association in 2016, where he claims to have taught over 2,100 people to become ultra-short sleepers.
While Hori’s claims may seem extraordinary, experts warn against attempting such a sleep schedule. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, and prolonged sleep deprivation can have serious negative consequences.