Imagine getting through life on just 30 minutes of sleep a day. Sounds wild, right? But for Daisuke Hori, it’s just another day in his well-orchestrated life. This Japanese entrepreneur swears by his ultra-short sleeping pattern, claiming it’s the secret to his productivity. Now, before you think he’s some kind of robot, Hori insists that his routine isn’t about suffering through sleepless nights. Instead, it’s about mastering the art of staying alert and energized—thanks to his love for coffee and sports.

Hori’s journey into the world of minimal sleep started 12 years ago. Most of us can’t imagine functioning on less than seven hours, but Hori wasn’t interested in “most of us.” He wanted more time—more hours in the day to pursue his passions. So, he began to cut back on sleep, gradually training his mind and body to make do with less. Over time, he managed to whittle his sleep down to just 30 to 45 minutes a day. And here’s the kicker: he claims he never feels tired.

This isn’t just some fluke or stunt. Hori has turned his lifestyle into a philosophy, even founding the Japan Short Sleepers Training Association in 2016. Through this association, he’s taught over 2,100 students to follow in his footsteps. And yes, some of them have successfully slashed their sleep schedules to a fraction of what they used to need. One student, for instance, went from sleeping eight hours a night to just 90 minutes. And apparently, she’s thriving—her skin’s glowing, and her mental health is intact.

So, how does Hori pull it off? He has a few tricks up his sleeve. According to him, the secret lies in timing. He suggests doing sports or drinking coffee an hour before meals to fend off drowsiness. It’s all about staying active and keeping your mind engaged. He’s convinced that with the right balance of activities, anyone can train themselves to function on minimal sleep. But don’t start tossing your pillow just yet.

The idea of ultra-short sleep is divisive. On one hand, Hori’s followers see him as a time management wizard, someone who’s cracked the code to a more efficient life. They admire his ability to pack more into each day, to live more fully by sleeping less. But on the other hand, critics are raising their eyebrows. Is this really healthy? Or is it just a fast track to burning out?

Doctors aren’t too keen on Hori’s lifestyle. Most experts agree that adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep, they argue, isn’t just about resting; it’s when the body and brain repair themselves. Chronic sleep deprivation, they warn, can lead to a laundry list of issues—memory problems, weakened immunity, mood swings, and even an increased risk of heart disease.

But Hori isn’t fazed by these warnings. He insists that not everyone needs the same amount of sleep and that high-quality sleep is more important than the quantity. He points to professionals like doctors and firefighters, who often work on minimal rest but still perform at a high level. For Hori, it’s about optimizing the sleep you do get, rather than just clocking hours in bed.

His unconventional lifestyle has naturally sparked a lot of debate online. Some people are in awe, calling him a master of his craft, someone who’s found a way to double his life by halving his sleep. Others, however, aren’t so sure. They see it as playing with fire, warning that even if the brain can stay sharp on so little sleep, the body might pay the price down the line.

Hori’s story is a fascinating look at how far someone can push the boundaries of what we think is possible. It’s also a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. While most of us will continue to cherish our eight hours of shut-eye, Hori’s journey shows that there are always outliers—people willing to experiment and see just how much they can get out of life.

And then there’s the coffee. It’s almost like a sidekick in Hori’s story, a trusty companion that helps him stay alert and focused. For Hori, it’s not just a morning ritual; it’s a crucial part of his strategy to keep his energy levels up. Combined with regular exercise, it seems to be working for him. At least for now.

But here’s the thing: just because Hori can do it doesn’t mean everyone should. It’s a bold experiment, sure, but it comes with risks. The human body is complex, and while some people might thrive on less sleep, others might not be so lucky. Doctors are clear on this—most of us need those seven to nine hours for a reason. It’s when our bodies recharge, when our minds reset.

In the end, Hori’s story is both inspiring and cautionary. It’s a testament to the power of discipline and determination, but also a reminder that not every shortcut is a good idea. So, while you might be tempted to try and shave a few hours off your nightly sleep, it’s worth remembering that there’s a fine line between maximizing your time and pushing yourself too far.

For now, Hori continues to live his high-energy life, enjoying the extra hours his lifestyle affords him. Whether or not it’s sustainable in the long run is a question only time will answer. But one thing’s for sure—Daisuke Hori is living proof that when it comes to sleep, there are no hard and fast rules. It’s all about finding what works for you, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.