New research suggests that sleep cannot be controlled or optimized through gadgets alone, despite the growing popularity of sleep trackers. The late Danish brain scientist Peter Lund Madsen and co-author Thomas Thaulov Raab explore the science of sleep in their new book.
Sleep Has a Will of Its Own
While fitness rings, apps, and wearable trackers promise insights into sleep quality and duration, experts caution that sleep is not something that can be controlled by force. According to Thomas Thaulov Raab, co-author of The Mystery of the Sleeping Brain, sleep resists the modern tendency of self-optimization.
Instead of trying to master sleep, Raab emphasizes creating the best possible conditions for it – from limiting screen exposure before bedtime to regulating room temperature. But no matter how precisely sleep is tracked, it is ultimately the brain that decides how much rest the body gets.
In 2023, 64 percent of Danish adults aged 18 to 64 reported getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, according to Denmark’s Health Authority. Meanwhile, about 32 percent slept less than seven hours, and 4 percent exceeded nine hours.
The Book Behind the Insights
The Mystery of the Sleeping Brain was released on September 10 and is the culmination of a collaborative project between renowned brain scientist Peter Lund Madsen and author Thomas Thaulov Raab. Tragically, Lund Madsen passed away from a heart attack in August, shortly before the book’s release. The project had been completed and the first printed edition was already sent to publishers.
Much of Lund Madsen’s career centered around sleep research. In his younger years, he spent countless nights in sleep laboratories and contributed significantly to international research on how sleep affects the brain and overall well-being.
Raab, with whom he collaborated on multiple books and media projects since 2003, describes the new release as unmistakably Madsen’s voice from start to finish. The work, however, is framed as a shared endeavor that builds on decades of professional partnership.
Understanding Sleep Science
The book dives deep into the physiological and psychological processes that occur during sleep. It also traces the history of sleep science and discusses turning points such as the discovery of REM sleep, the stage during which we dream. This finding revealed that sleep could be broken down into different phases, each serving unique functions over the course of the night.
Why We Misjudge Our Sleep
According to Raab, people often misinterpret how well they sleep. Those who believe they sleep poorly may still log hours of sleep they simply don’t remember. Conversely, self-proclaimed “super sleepers” may unknowingly wake up during the night more frequently than they think. This perception gap underscores the limits of self-assessed sleep quality and the need for scientific measurements, such as EEGs, to truly evaluate sleep stages.
The Limits of Sleep Technology
Modern sleep aids like rings, watches, and apps can measure movement, heart rate, and time asleep. However, they fall short of tracking sleep phases accurately due to the lack of EEG (electroencephalograph) technology, which measures brain activity. Because devices can’t detect the full scope of sleep cycles, users should be wary of over-relying on their data for health decisions.
Practical Advice for Better Sleep
Though you cannot force yourself into a deeper sleep, following scientifically grounded practices can help. The Danish Health Authority offers several tips to boost sleep quality:
- Avoid caffeine before bedtime.
- Limit alcohol intake in the evening.
- Refrain from eating heavy or high-energy meals late at night.
- Engage in physical activity during the day.
- Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dim or eliminate screen lighting before sleep to reduce disruption to your circadian rhythm.
Ultimately, people should trust their own sense of whether they feel rested. Technology can support awareness, but it should not replace listening to our own biological signals.
As The Mystery of the Sleeping Brain reveals, sleep is not a task to be mastered but an essential and natural part of life that thrives under the right conditions—even if it cannot be fully understood or controlled.
