A Japanese bodybuilder has stunned the world by claiming he thrives on just 30 minutes of deep sleep each day — a routine he has followed for 15 years. Daisuke Hori, 40, a Tokyo resident, says his unconventional sleep schedule has allowed him to live a fuller and more fulfilling life.

Hori, who lives in Shibuya and is a father of an eight-year-old, maintains a lifestyle that would exhaust most people. His days are packed with activities like work, exercise, household chores, surfing, managing investments, playing musical instruments, and caring for his family and pet. Despite this relentless schedule, Hori insists that his sleep-deprived routine has brought him unparalleled happiness.

Daisuke Hori has been practicing half an hour of sleep for 15 years (Supplied)

“I train my body 13 times a week, work over 10 hours a day, and take no days off,” he told The Independent. “My schedule varies, but one thing never changes — my 30 minutes of sleep.”

The Journey to Short Sleep

Hori’s fascination with sleep reduction began at age 25, inspired by someone he knew who thrived on minimal rest. Determined to gain more hours in his day, he embarked on a seven-year journey to train his body and mind to function with less sleep. Today, Hori claims to have more energy than most and accomplishes in a day what others might take a week to achieve.

“Sleep is like a muscle. It needs to be trained gradually,” he explains. “If you follow the rules, you can make it shorter, just like studying or physical training.”

Transforming Lives Through Sleep Training

Over the years, Hori has become an advocate for short sleeping, training more than 2,000 people to reduce their sleep to three or four hours per night. While he cautions that this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, he believes it can transform lives for those who adapt to it.

“My goal was freedom — of movement, health, and time. Becoming a short sleeper gave me this happiness,” he says.

Hori has even influenced his family’s sleep patterns. His wife now sleeps just two hours a night, and his son, who initially slept three hours a day, now sleeps four to five hours.

A Life Packed With Passion

A dedicated bodybuilder, Hori trains twice a day for up to 90 minutes per session and competes annually in bodybuilding contests like the “Best Body Japan” event. His Instagram and YouTube accounts showcase his fitness journey and promote his short-sleeping lifestyle.

“I have no intention of cutting back on my time awake,” Hori insists. “I enjoy working out, surfing, spending time with loved ones, and discovering new hobbies. I’m living life to the fullest.”

Science and Skepticism

Despite Hori’s claims, sleep experts warn against such extreme routines. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, citing risks like reduced immunity, high blood pressure, and mental health issues associated with chronic sleep deprivation.

Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, a sleep medicine specialist, emphasizes the importance of sleep for restoring nutrients, clearing toxins, and recharging the brain. Even minor sleep deprivation can affect mood, alertness, and cognitive function.

Still, Hori dismisses concerns, saying, “If more people could live without worrying about sleep, the world would be a more peaceful place.”

Secrets to Staying Awake

Hori credits his success to keeping his brain engaged. “Avoid doing the same activity or using the same part of your brain for long periods,” he advises. He also follows a low-carb diet to maintain steady blood sugar levels and prevent drowsiness.

Though his extreme lifestyle may not suit everyone, Hori believes it has unlocked a unique happiness and freedom that most people never experience.