SOMA Living December 2025

POWER OF SLEEP Tech billionaire Brian Johnson has spent the last 5 years working with a team of over 30 physicians researching the best strategies to slow, or even reverse, the aging process. After spending millions of dollars and submitting to constant medical monitoring, Johnson says the most important takeaway from his research is simple – “A good night’s sleep is the single most important element to counteract the aging process.” Sleep rejuvenates the body, boosts brain function, powers the immune system, and regulates hormones. “It’s the foundation for well-being and longevity,” Johnson asserts. On the other hand, sleep deprivation impairs and diminishes cognitive functions, slows reflexes, and gives rise to poor decision-making. It’s linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression and weakened immunity. Johnson lays out the following tips for prioritizing restorative sleep in your life: • Reframe your identity; define yourself as a professional sleeper • Make sleep your #1 priority; nothing influences your conscious existence more.

• Plan your day around sleep; it’s the most important appointment in your calendar. • Get buy-in and support from others by explaining your priorities. • Avoid heavy meals less than 4 hours before bedtime; they raise your core temperature and resting heart rate. • Create a 60-minute, screen-free wind-down routine prior to bedtime; read, journal, stretch, meditate, or take a warm bath. • Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises; this has proven to be more effective than sleep medications. These are just a few of the tips Johnson offers to improve your sleep. Check back next month for more!

Bryan Umiker is the Founder & Owner of the Ethical Mattress Company, and a Maplewood resident since 2001. His career spans 20+ years in the Sleep space, including time as a Buyer and Vice President for Bloomingdale’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Casper.

18 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com

@somalivingmagazine