The Perfect Sleep / by Alexander Lyadov

“Sleep is the best performance-enhancing drug that’s ever been invented,” says Andrew Huberman, professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford, in his podcast. Andrew never tires of constantly reminding us of the value of sleep in relieving a wide variety of problems and ailments. I know from experience that as soon as I go to bed a couple of hours late or have a disrupted sleep pattern, a completely different Alexander gets out of bed in the morning — irritable at the drop of a hat, with hypersensitivity to pain, decreased will, and a pessimistic outlook on the world. It is hard to believe that not some super-potent substance or shock event, but the banalest sleep, or rather its absence, can change the personality so dramatically.

Every adult knows what it means to be sleep-deprived, but in order to remember the opposite state, you have to strain your brain. The most vivid memory comes from my childhood, when I spent the summer at my grandparents’ house. I was, I think, eight years old at the time. While my grandfather was reading the humorous magazine “Crocodile” aloud to us, I was quietly falling asleep between two people who loved me unconditionally. When I woke up in the morning on my endless bed, I stretched sweetly and long in the warm rays of the sun. Ahead of me awaited an endlessly long day filled with fascinating possibilities. I could read books, make crafts, play with friends, in short, be my authentic self, while life generously opened up its treasure chest in front of me. Recently, at a session with a therapist, I remembered that feeling of an excess of potential energy in the body as a result of a full night’s sleep, which could only be described as ideal. I remembered it, and now I want to keep it. Of course, it is impossible to turn back the years. But it’s never too late to start bringing that pristine quality of sleep back into your life.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander


You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.


Alexander Lyadov portrait

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an extremely important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.