A Man Who Claims He Can Function on Just 30 Minutes of Sleep a Day... Expert Warns "He Could Die Soon"

Medical Experts Warn "Reducing Sleep Time Is Impossible"

A controversy has arisen after a Japanese man in his 40s claimed that he can function perfectly well by sleeping only 30 minutes a day on average, prompting experts to warn that such sleep habits can pose serious health risks.

Previously, Daisuke Hori (40), a businessman and father living in Shibuya, Tokyo, gained worldwide attention by asserting that he has not slept more than 30 minutes a day for the past 15 years. He even promoted the benefits of the "30-minute sleep method" in an interview with the British daily newspaper, The Independent.

However, Dr. Thomas Kilkenny, head of the Sleep Medicine Institute at Northwell Staten Island University in New York, recently directly refuted Hori’s claims in an interview with the New York Post.

Japanese businessman Daisuke Hori. [Image source=Instagram capture]

Dr. Kilkenny said, "It is very hard to believe that this person’s sleep duration is this short. It seems impossible," and emphasized, "Although the exact reasons why we sleep are not fully understood, it is well known that sleep deprivation has extremely negative effects on both mental and physical health."

He continued, "If sleep deprivation continues, it will lead to (Hori’s) death," adding, "Sleep deprivation is recognized as a form of torture under the Geneva Conventions and is prohibited. Humans cannot function properly without an adequate lifespan. Hori’s story lacks accuracy and will absolutely not help extend his lifespan."

His average daily sleep time is reported to be only 30 minutes. [Image source=Instagram capture]

Previously, Hori claimed that although he sleeps only 30 minutes on average per day, he has no difficulty enjoying his daily life. Interested in bodybuilding, he said he works 10 hours a day at his company and trains his body 13 times a week.

He also argued that reducing sleep time is actually a secret to living healthily. He said, "Sleep is like a muscle; if you follow the rules, you can sleep less," and added, "Only after sleeping briefly did I find this happiness. If more people could live without worrying about sleep, wouldn’t the world be a more peaceful place?"

A reality program by Japan’s Yomiuri TV closely followed Hori for three days and observed that he actually functioned normally after sleeping only 26 minutes a day.

However, medical experts recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day and warn that excessively reducing sleep time beyond the recommended duration can cause various health problems such as weakened immunity, high blood pressure, and depression.