Daisuke Hori, a 40-year-old Japanese entrepreneur, has been sleeping only 30 minutes a day for 12 years

Doctors often say we need at least eight hours of sleep to keep our bodies and minds healthy. But in today’s digital world, as we scroll through our phones, we can easily lose track of time and end up sleeping only four or five hours. But what if you could get by on just 30 minutes of sleep a day?
It might sound crazy, but Daisuke Hori from Japan has been doing just that for 12 years! Amazingly, he’s managed to stay healthy without any signs of illness.
A recent article shed light on Daisuke’s unusual sleep routine. We all know Japan has a hectic work culture, and their lifestyle is quite different from many other places. So why does Daisuke only sleep for half an hour? He says he wants to make the most of his life, balancing work with enjoyment. With eight hours taken up by sleep, he feels he wouldn’t have enough time to achieve his goals or truly live life to the fullest. That’s why he’s chosen this unconventional approach to sleep.

Why and How Does Daisuke Hori Sleep for Only 30 Minutes a Day?
Daisuke Hori claims that his 30-minute sleep routine has doubled his productivity and lifespan. He believes in “quality over quantity.” In an interview with the South China Morning Post, he stated, “Those who need focused attention for their work benefit more from high-quality sleep than from long hours of sleep. For example, doctors and firefighters may have less downtime, but they maintain high efficiency.”
Twelve years ago, Hori started sleeping less to create more time for various tasks. Now, he manages to sleep between 30 to 45 minutes each day. To combat fatigue, he suggests exercising or having coffee, which he believes helps him stay energized with less sleep. His daily routine was featured on the Japanese reality show “Will You Go With Me?” where it showed him sleeping just 26 minutes a day and still waking up full of energy. After that short rest, he would have breakfast, work out, and dive into his day’s activities.
Who is Daisuke Hori?

Hori, an entrepreneur, founded the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association in 2016. He has taught around 2,100 people how to become ultra-short sleepers. One of his students shared that she started reducing her sleep schedule four years ago. After years of effort, she has managed to cut her sleep from eight hours to just 90 minutes a day. She claims that this change has positively impacted her skin and mental well-being.
His approach has already created a buzz on social media. However, doctors and wellness experts are skeptical of these claims. They warn that such drastic reductions in sleep could lead to health problems down the line.
What Problems Arise from Lack of Sleep?
Lack of sleep can lead to various issues, such as:
- Mental Fatigue: Insufficient sleep can increase feelings of stress and distraction.
- Memory Problems: Sleep helps the brain store memories. When you don’t get enough sleep, your memory and learning abilities can suffer.
- Physical Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of physical health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Emotional Problems: Lack of sleep can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Reduced Energy: Fatigue and low energy can make it challenging to perform daily tasks.
- Weakened Immune System: Not getting enough sleep can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fend off illnesses.
- Weight Gain: Sleep deprivation disrupts hormonal balance, which can lead to weight gain.
- Lack of Focus: Insufficient sleep can diminish concentration and attention, affecting the quality of your work.