Shark Tank India's Aman Gupta Advocates for Flexible Work Hours, Admits Nightly Reel Addiction
In a candid revelation, Aman Gupta, the prominent judge on Shark Tank India, has openly discussed his personal daily habits, challenging traditional workplace norms and admitting to a significant social media habit. Gupta, co-founder of boAt, emphasized his disdain for rigid schedules, stating he does not use alarms and wakes up naturally, drawing an analogy to a tiger in the jungle.
Gupta's Unconventional Routine and Work Philosophy
Aman Gupta detailed his evening and nighttime activities, explaining that after spending time with his children, he indulges in watching reels for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each night. "I have an addiction," he admitted, noting that he only goes to sleep when he feels sleepy, without relying on alarms. He elaborated on his wake-up philosophy, saying, "I wake up when I want to. I hate alarms. I think a tiger in a jungle doesn't look at alarms. A tiger wakes up when he wants to."
Extending this philosophy to work, Gupta rejected the idea of fixed office hours. He told Humans of Bombay, "There's a phone with me. It starts from anywhere. It doesn't have to be at work. That's why I don't believe people have to come to the office at 9 or 10 am. I don't come myself." This stance highlights a growing trend towards flexible work environments, especially among entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
Expert Insights on Sleep and Screen Time Risks
While Gupta's approach may seem liberating, medical experts caution about potential health implications. Dr. Prashant Makhija, a consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, provided insights into the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for optimal brain function.
Dr. Makhija explained that the human brain operates best with a regular rhythm, governed by the circadian rhythm. "Waking up at random times and sleeping only when too tired confuses the internal clock, which controls hormones, alertness, digestion, and even immunity," he said. He clarified that waking up naturally can be healthy, but only if sleep timing is consistent. "If someone goes to sleep and wakes up at the same time every day, the brain can wake up without an alarm, feeling refreshed. But if sleep timing is irregular, waking up 'whenever you want' usually means the brain is operating without a stable biological schedule."
The Impact of Screen Time on Sleep Quality
Addressing Gupta's reel-watching habit, Dr. Makhija identified nighttime screen time as one of the most common modern sleep disturbances. He noted that bright screens hinder melatonin production, the hormone that signals the brain it's time to sleep. "Short, emotionally charged videos overstimulate the brain, keeping it in a semi-alert state. Many people think they are relaxing, but neurologically, the brain is being trained to stay awake longer," he remarked.
The consequences of ongoing sleep disruption are significant. Dr. Makhija warned, "Poor sleep quality is linked to memory problems, mood swings, decreased attention span, headaches, weight gain, and a higher risk of hypertension and diabetes. Over time, the brain's ability to shut down efficiently gets worse." He emphasized that while flexibility can boost productivity, "biology still requires structure." Even creative individuals benefit from regular sleep and wake times, as the brain measures health by consistency rather than freedom.
Recommendations for Healthier Sleep Habits
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Makhija offered practical advice for maintaining good sleep hygiene. He recommended sticking to a regular wake-up time, limiting screen time at least 60 minutes before bed, and allowing the brain a 'wind-down' period. "Sleep should not start with scrolling; it should start with stillness. Good sleep isn't about convenience; it's about respecting how the brain is wired," he concluded.
This discussion underscores the balance between modern, flexible lifestyles and the biological needs of the human body, offering a nuanced perspective on work habits and personal well-being.
