Sleep Smarter Insights

The must-read analysis of the key insights from "Sleep Smarter" by Shawn Stevenson — presented by Athena.

When it comes to our health, the one element we consistently overlook is sleep, which is becoming a vanishing resource in our overworked, 24-7 culture. Want to feel, think and perform better? The answer starts with sleep.

When he was 15 years old, Shawn Stevenson broke his hip running time trials as a high school athlete. At 20, he was diagnosed with degenerative bone and disc disease. Doctors could only offer him medication to dull the pain. Stevenson fell into a funk, gained weight and hardly left his bed. Then, one night, he decided he would no longer accept that the best days of his life were over. He would do anything to get healthy.

Stevenson became obsessive in his quest to heal, and eventually landed on a trifecta of changes: nutrition, exercise and sleep. Against all odds and expectations, his approach worked and he was able to overcome his ailments. His doctors, friends and family were stunned.

Stevenson says sleep was the key force multiplier of the changes he implemented. So much so that he refers to sleep as the “secret sauce” that can improve every aspect of performance.

“The three pillars of health that changed everything for me: right nutrition, right exercise, and right sleep.” - Shawn Stevenson

Since recovering from his so-called incurable ailments, Stevenson has made it his mission to teach the importance of sleep and to help others sleep better. As such, "Sleep Smarter" is more than a checklist for sleeping through the night. It’s also a personal tribute to the power of sleep to improve and prolong our lives.