Doctor Responds to Japanese Man's 30-Minute Sleep Routine for 12 Years: 'Obesity, Depression, Death'

A man from Japan has been making headlines for sleeping just 30 minutes a day for 12 years to “double” his life. The 40-year-old entrepreneur said that he has trained his body and mind in such a way that they function normally on minimal sleep. According to him, the key to maintaining focus lies in the quality of sleep rather than its duration, and he believes this practice has significantly boosted his work efficiency.

To explore these claims further, Japan’s Yomiuri TV followed him closely for three days in a reality show titled “Will You Go With Me?” During the show, it was revealed that he once slept for just 26 minutes, woke up full of energy, had breakfast, went to work, and even managed a gym session.

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But is 30 minutes of sleep really enough? To delve into the implications of such a sleep pattern, News18.com spoke with Dr Vivek Pandey, who is also an RTI activist, to get expert insights.

“Sleeping only 30 minutes a day is neither safe nor feasible for the human body,” Dr Pandey told News18.com.

He added, “The human brain and body require sufficient rest to function properly, and 30 minutes of sleep is far below the necessary threshold. Such extreme sleep deprivation can lead to severe cognitive, physical, and psychological issues.”

Dr. Pandey emphasised the importance of sufficient sleep, saying, “The optimal amount of sleep for an adult is generally 7 to 8 hours per night. This range allows the body to undergo essential restorative processes, including memory consolidation, muscle repair, and hormone regulation. While individual needs may vary slightly, consistently getting less than 7 hours can negatively impact overall health.”

He also outlined the short and long-term effects of extreme sleep deprivation: “Sleeping too little can result in impaired cognitive function, decreased attention span, irritability, and poor decision-making. Physical effects may include weakened immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and slower reaction times, which can be dangerous in daily activities such as driving.”

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“Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to more serious health issues, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. It can also lead to a higher risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired alertness and coordination. Secondary complications may lead to diseases and it may lead to death also,” he further warned.

Dr Pandey concluded that one should prioritise sleep to maintain good health: “For maintaining good health, it is crucial to prioritise adequate sleep along with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.”