The Decibel Why an obsession with sleep hygiene might be keeping you awake
Aug 13, 2025
Dr. Rebecca Robillard, a neuropsychologist at the University of Ottawa, dives into the shifting conversation around sleep. She discusses how the hustle culture sees sleep as unproductive, while modern wellness trends promote sleep optimization that can backfire. Dr. Robillard highlights the dangers of perfectionist sleep habits and the limitations of sleep trackers. She emphasizes that effective treatments for insomnia, like cognitive behavioral therapy, outshine popular sleep hygiene myths perpetuated on social media.
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Sleep Needs Vary By Person
- Adults vary widely in sleep need; seven to nine hours is an average, not a rule.
- Listen to daytime functioning to determine if your sleep amount suits you.
Judge Sleep By Daytime Function
- Assess sleep by how you function during the day, not just hours in bed.
- If you can focus, maintain mood, and avoid excessive sleepiness, your sleep is likely adequate.
Timing Of Light Shapes Your Clock
- Light exposure strongly influences the biological clock, with timing more important than gadget claims.
- Morning light advances your clock; evening bright light delays it, helping shift sleep timing.