Aman's Philosophy
Aman Gupta, a familiar face from Shark Tank India, recently revealed his unconventional daily habits, sparking a conversation about work-life balance and
personal autonomy. He openly admits to a significant addiction to watching short-form videos, dedicating approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each night to this activity. This habit, he explains, follows his family time and precedes his sleep, which he initiates only when he feels genuinely tired. Crucially, Gupta eschews the use of alarm clocks, preferring to awaken naturally. He draws an analogy to wild animals, suggesting that a tiger doesn't need an alarm to start its day, implying a belief in a more instinctual approach to one's schedule. Furthermore, his views on the traditional 9-to-5 workday are equally progressive. Gupta asserts that rigid office timings are unnecessary in the modern era, particularly with ubiquitous technology, and he himself does not adhere to such schedules, believing that work can commence from anywhere, at any time.
The Brain's Rhythm
Countering Gupta's flexible approach, Dr. Prashant Makhija, a neurologist, emphasizes the critical importance of a consistent biological rhythm for optimal brain function. He explains that our internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, governs a multitude of bodily processes, including hormone regulation, alertness levels, digestion efficiency, and even the robustness of our immune system. Waking up at inconsistent times and going to sleep solely out of exhaustion can significantly disrupt this delicate internal timing mechanism. While waking up naturally can be beneficial, Dr. Makhija clarifies that this is only healthy when the sleep and wake times are regular and predictable. If an individual maintains a consistent sleep schedule daily, their brain can indeed develop the ability to wake up spontaneously, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. However, when sleep patterns are erratic, the notion of waking up 'whenever you want' often signifies that the brain is operating without a stable, predictable biological schedule, leading to potential downstream effects on overall health and cognitive performance.
Screen Time's Impact
Dr. Makhija identifies late-night screen time as a primary culprit behind contemporary sleep disturbances. The bright light emitted from electronic devices actively interferes with the production of melatonin, a crucial hormone that signals to the brain that it is time to prepare for sleep. The nature of short, emotionally stimulating videos further exacerbates this issue, as they overstimulate the brain, keeping it in a state of heightened alertness rather than allowing it to wind down. Many individuals may perceive these activities as relaxing, but from a neurological perspective, they are training the brain to remain awake for extended periods. This ongoing disruption affects more than just sleep quality; it is linked to a cascade of negative consequences, including memory impairment, mood volatility, diminished attention spans, frequent headaches, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing serious health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Over time, the brain's capacity to effectively transition into a restful state deteriorates.
Structure for Success
While acknowledging that flexibility can indeed enhance productivity, Dr. Makhija firmly states that 'biology still requires structure.' He elaborates that even individuals in highly creative fields benefit immensely from maintaining regular sleep and wake times. The brain's measure of success is not rooted in absolute freedom but rather in the maintenance of consistent, healthy biological patterns. To foster better sleep and cognitive function, experts recommend several practical steps. It is advisable to adhere to a consistent wake-up time each day, regardless of the day of the week. Limiting exposure to screens for at least 60 minutes before bedtime is also crucial, allowing the brain to begin its natural winding-down process. Creating a 'wind-down' period before sleep, free from stimulating content, is essential. Good sleep, Dr. Makhija emphasizes, is not merely about convenience; it is a fundamental act of respecting the intricate wiring and biological needs of our brains.
