Gupta's Wake-Up Philosophy
Aman Gupta, a prominent figure on Shark Tank India, has openly discussed his unconventional approach to daily routines, notably his aversion to alarm clocks
and rigid office hours. He believes in waking up naturally, likening himself to a tiger in the wild that doesn't rely on external cues to rouse itself. This philosophy extends to his work life, where he expresses skepticism about the necessity of a 9 or 10 AM start for office attendance, stating he himself doesn't adhere to such timings. Gupta also revealed a personal habit, admitting to spending approximately 1.5 to 2 hours nightly engrossed in short, engaging videos, which he described as an addiction that leads him to sleep only when he feels tired. This candid admission highlights a common modern dilemma: balancing personal habits with established professional norms and biological needs.
The Brain's Internal Clock
Neurologist Dr. Prashant Makhija from Hospitals, Mumbai Central, sheds light on the scientific perspective of Gupta's habits. He explains that the human brain thrives on predictability and operates best with a consistent rhythm, often referred to as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock governs crucial bodily functions, including hormone regulation, alertness levels, digestion, and immune system responses. According to Dr. Makhija, waking up at inconsistent times and only sleeping when exhaustion sets in significantly disrupts this delicate biological schedule, confusing the body's natural timing mechanisms. While natural waking can be beneficial, it's contingent on maintaining a regular sleep schedule. If an individual consistently goes to bed and rises at the same hour each day, their brain can indeed learn to wake up naturally and feel refreshed, eliminating the need for an alarm. However, irregular sleep patterns mean that waking up "whenever you want" often signifies that the brain is functioning without a stable biological anchor.
Screen Time's Sleep Impact
Dr. Makhija identifies nighttime screen exposure as a primary culprit behind modern sleep disturbances. The blue light emitted from electronic devices, he explains, actively interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone essential for signaling to the brain that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Furthermore, the nature of short, emotionally stimulating videos, like those Gupta consumes, can overstimulate the brain, keeping it in a state of heightened alertness rather than relaxation. Many individuals might perceive this activity as a way to unwind, but neurologically, it conditions the brain to remain awake for extended periods. The cumulative effect of such disruptions extends beyond just sleep quality. Persistent poor sleep has been linked to a range of cognitive and physical health issues, including memory impairment, mood instability, reduced attention span, headaches, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing hypertension and diabetes over time. This chronic disruption can degrade the brain's ability to effectively transition into a restful state.
Structure for Success
While flexibility can indeed foster creativity and enhance productivity, Dr. Makhija emphasizes that biological systems fundamentally require structure. Even individuals in creative fields, known for their often non-traditional schedules, benefit immensely from maintaining consistent sleep and wake times. The brain, he posits, doesn't gauge success through the absence of constraints but rather by its own state of health, which is intrinsically tied to regularity. To promote better sleep hygiene and cognitive function, experts recommend several practical strategies. Adhering to a fixed wake-up time is paramount, as is limiting screen usage for at least 60 minutes prior to bedtime. Establishing a dedicated 'wind-down' period allows the brain to transition from a state of activity to one of stillness, signaling readiness for sleep. Ultimately, good sleep is not about mere convenience; it's about respecting the brain's inherent biological wiring and providing it with the consistent conditions it needs to function optimally.
