A recent study suggests that people in industrialized countries are getting enough sleep on average, but their body clocks are often out of sync with the natural day-night cycle. This can lead to a range of health problems, including depression, cancer, and heart disease. Experts are calling for a more flexible approach to work and school schedules, as well as changes to our indoor environments to better mimic the natural world.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect a growing awareness of the importance of body clock alignment and the need for flexible work schedules. Some companies may start to adopt more flexible start times, and there may be a increase in the use of light therapy and other tools to help regulate circadian rhythms.
Forecast for 1 year: As the issue of body clock alignment gains more attention, there may be a push for policy changes to support more flexible work schedules and better lighting in public spaces. This could include changes to school start times and the implementation of “wellness days” to help people adjust to new schedules.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next 5 years, we may see a significant shift towards more flexible and personalized approaches to work and sleep. This could include the use of wearable technology and AI-powered sleep coaching to help people optimize their sleep and circadian rhythms. There may also be a growing trend towards “biophilic” design, which incorporates natural elements and lighting into buildings and public spaces.
Forecast for 10 years: By 2033, we may see a fundamental transformation in the way we think about sleep and work. With the rise of automation and remote work, people may have more flexibility to create their own schedules and work environments. This could lead to a shift towards a more “polyphasic” approach to sleep, where people take multiple naps throughout the day rather than one long sleep period at night.
