Dakota Johnson's 14-hour sleep secrets: A star's quest for rest

Modified Dec 15, 2023 04:37 GMT

Dakota Johnson (Image via Instagram/@dakotajohnson_)

In the bustling world of Hollywood, Dakota Johnson, known for her role in Fifty Shades of Grey, stands out with her unconventional sleep routine. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, she shared insights into her sleep habits, highlighting the importance she places on rest in her life.

Johnson's approach to sleep is as distinctive as her acting portfolio. Preferring to sleep for an extensive duration, she admits to not being "functional" with less than 10 hours of shut-eye, easily stretching to 14 hours in a single night.

The preference challenges conventional sleep norms, raising questions about the ideal amount of rest.

Dakota Johnson's Sleep Schedule

In her own words, Johnson said:

"I don’t have a regular [wake-up] time... If I have a day off on a Monday, then I will sleep as long as I can. Sleep is my number one priority in life."

The Science of Sleep: How Much is Too Much?

While Johnson cherishes her extended hours of sleep, experts like Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist and author, suggest that sleep needs vary. The average adult typically requires seven to nine hours, though some may need slightly more or less.

Harris explains:

"The majority of people fall somewhere between seven to nine hours... but there are outliers."

More than 10 hours of sleep can sometimes lead to grogginess, a condition colloquially known as being "sleep drunk."

Similarly, Sarah Silverman, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, emphasizes the individual nature of sleep needs. For some, less than eight hours might suffice, while others may need more.

"Sleep is just like shoe size... One size does not fit all," she said.

Importance of Adequate Sleep

Adequate sleep is crucial for mental and physical health. Barbara Sahakian, a psychiatry professor at the University of Cambridge, highlights the role of sleep in memory consolidation and stress management.

Both excessive and insufficient sleep can adversely affect learning and memory, particularly impacting the hippocampus, a key brain region.

Enhancing Sleep Quality: Tips for Better Rest

Achieving optimal sleep quality involves several strategies:

Consistency is Key: Establishing a regular sleep schedule helps synchronize the body's internal clock.

Wind-Down Rituals: Activities like meditation, reading, or listening to calming music can prepare the mind for sleep.

Creating a Sleep Sanctuary: A cool, dark, quiet bedroom is conducive to restful sleep. Consider using dark shades and earplugs.

Mindful Consumption: Avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime is crucial, as is reducing electronic device usage.

Regular Exercise: Aerobic activities enhance sleep quality, benefiting those with insomnia.

Dakota Johnson's unconventional sleep routine highlights the diverse spectrum of individual sleep needs. While her preference for extensive sleep might seem excessive, it underscores the importance of understanding and respecting our unique sleep patterns.