The Primal Shift 117: I've Had Enough With Eight Sleep…
We've been using Eight Sleep at the Kummer house for years, and in many ways it's been an incredible tool. The pod keeps the bed at exactly the right temperature through hot Georgia nights; lets us set different temperatures for falling asleep, the first half of the night, the second half, and waking up; and it tracks sleep, HRV, heart rate, respiratory rate, and even snoring. From a comfort and data perspective, we've genuinely loved a lot of what it can do.
This episode isn't an endorsement, though. It's about why I've grown increasingly frustrated with Eight Sleep's dependence on constant WiFi and a stable internet connection.
Here's the bottom line: if you turn off your home's WiFi at night – as we do, to avoid unnecessary EMF exposure – the system basically breaks. Cooling stops, you can't change the temperature, and if the adjustable base is up, you can't even put it back down.
But even if you're not concerned about EMF exposure, the system's reliance on an internet connection is a major problem. For example, during recent internet and AWS outages, users couldn't control their beds at all – which is absurd for a product that's supposed to improve sleep.
Eight Sleep's response to the AWS outage was to roll out a "backup mode" that lets the app talk to the pod over Bluetooth when cloud systems are down. That might help with outages, but it doesn't address the underlying issue that a sleep and health company keeps adding more wireless components around your bed. The latest generation even adds speakers and requires more communication between the base and the hub.
We're in the middle of a move and I've decided we'll rip all of that out and stop using it. I still believe bed cooling is incredibly helpful in a modern, sealed house where airflow is limited, and I'll keep recommending the idea of bed cooling. But I'd rather use a simpler solution with less EMF exposure, even if that means losing automation, app control, and detailed sleep tracking.
In the episode I talk through that decision, why I can't comfortably recommend Eight Sleep anymore, and what I'm looking for in a replacement. I also share some lower-tech levers we're already pulling — like better mattress and sheet materials — and ask you to share what's worked for you, whether that's another cooling system, smarter use of windows, or just a more breathable sleep setup.
Learn more: Is the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra the Answer to Better Sleep?: https://youtu.be/n6QsckyU9bs
How To Sleep Better And Fall Asleep Quicker: https://michaelkummer.com/sleep-guide/
85: Sleep Before Midnight: Does It Really Matter?: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/85-sleep-before-midnight-does-it-really-matter/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva!
Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.
To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/
And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva
In this episode: 00:00 Intro
00:28 The benefits of Eight Sleep
01:25 Major drawbacks and frustrations
03:07 Recent outage and update
06:22 Personal decision to move on
08:54 Exploring alternatives
11:26 Conclusion and final thoughts
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Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82
[Medical Disclaimer]
The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.
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#EightSleep #SleepHealth