The Sleep Geek, aka James Wilson, talks about the importance of REM sleep and why you shouldn’t be cutting yourself short.
We’ve all heard it: “Successful people wake up early.” But let’s stop and think—why are we setting alarms to interrupt something we need (sleep) for something that’s just nice to have (ice baths, anyone?)?
Like many in the sleep and mattress game, I keep an eye on trade mags like BFG. I love a good Q&A, but now and then, a line jumps out and makes my teeth itch.
It usually goes something like this: “I get up at 5am, cold plunge, then head to the gym to start my day right.”
Now, if that person is naturally waking at 5am, great. Some people really are “larks,” their internal clocks are set for early rising. But most of us? Not even close. Based on chronotypes (basically your biological sleep/wake rhythm), only a tiny sliver of people wake up at 5am without external help.
So, let’s be honest, they’re setting alarms. Loud, jarring, mood-killing alarms. And for what? To yank themselves out of REM sleep, the mentally restorative stage where we process emotions, solve problems, and recharge. That’s the very sleep that supports your mental health more than any protein shake or treadmill ever will.
If you’re cutting your REM short to chase a six-pack or hit a dopamine high from an ice bath, you’re literally skipping your brain’s nightly therapy session. And all in the name of productivity?
Here’s a fun (read: terrifying) fact, humans can survive longer without food than without sleep. About 19 days without food. Nine without sleep. And unless you’ve got a rare genetic condition called Fatal Familial Insomnia, sleep will catch up with you. Or, more precisely, the lack of it will.
This “rise and grind” obsession isn’t new. The Bible praises the early riser. Stoic philosophers love to humblebrag about 4am wake-ups. But just because it’s ancient wisdom, doesn’t mean it’s good sleep advice.
Here’s a better approach: match your exercise routine to your body clock. Larks? Go ahead, train in the morning. Night owls? Later workouts can work, just not too late or you’ll delay your sleep. Either way, don’t sacrifice sleep for a sweat session.
In the sleep business, we know the truth: better sleep = better everything. Muscles rebuild, minds reset, and mattresses do their magic. So next time someone brags about their 5am ice bath, feel free to nod, smile and then sleep in.
Because when it comes to mental and physical health, sleep always wins.
About the Sleep Geek
James Wilson (AK The Sleep Geek) is a Sleep Educator & Practitioner and founder of kipmate. He has worked with the likes of Zurich, Next, Under Armour and West Ham United helping their people kip better. He offers training and certification for retailers, and a certification scheme for sleep products.
