10 Habits for Sleep

Written by Bryan Johnson • 02.12.2026

How to get more sleep: Bryan Johnson’s sleep protocol

I got 8 months of perfect sleep. (Receipts below).

That might sound out of reach for you… but it’s not. After years of struggling with sleep, I figured out how to reliably get high-quality rest.

I’m going to share the habits I follow every day.

When I started Project Blueprint, I was a broken down 42 year old. Sugar cereal and soda as a kid, a decade of chronic depression, and 20 years of sleep deprivation. I was overweight, my joints hurt, and I was losing my hair.

Sleep will make you a top performer.

Sleep:

rejuvenates the body
boosts brain function
supports the immune system
regulates hormones

Consistent, quality sleep is the foundation of well-being and longevity.

Sleep deprivation:

reduces cognitive functions
slows reflexes
increases poor decision-making
is linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression

Being constantly awake for ~18 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of ~0.05%. Stay up for 24 hours, and that rises to 0.1%... that’s over the legal limit to drive in the U.S. (0.08%).

If you only do one thing for your health: sleep.

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How to get more sleep

1. Reframe your identity: you are a professional sleeper

make sleep your #1 priority.
plan your day around sleep. It’s the most important appointment in your calendar.
ignore those who say sleep is for the weak… they’re drunk from sleep deprivation.

2. Keep a consistent bedtime

choose a bedtime that allows for 7-9 hours in bed each night.
go to bed +/- 30 min of this bedtime. Even on weekends.
set an alarm for winding down if you need to.

3. Create a 60-min wind-down routine

Set a specific time each evening to start winding down. Turn off screens.

Do this:

read a book
take a bath
meditate or do breathwork
journal
listen to relaxing music
hangout with family

4. Eat early

have your last meal of the day at least 2 hours before bed to give your body time to digest before sleep.
experiment with eating your final meal 4-6 hours before bed.
minimize foods that negatively impact sleep. Like me, you may find that certain foods, such as pasta and bread, reduce sleep quality.
when socializing late, choose light options like steamed veggies.

5. Avoid stimulants before bed

avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants at least 10 hours before sleep.
caffeine has a half-life of 6 hours in the blood. That means consuming a cup of coffee 6 hours before bed is the same as drinking half a cup immediately before bed.
opt for herbal teas or other relaxing drinks in the evening.

6. Regulate evening light

dim the lights 1-2 hours before bed to create a relaxed atmosphere.
use warm lighting in the evening.
install blue light filters on your devices (e.g., f.lux) and consider blue light-blocking glasses.
limit screen time at least 1 hour before bed and blackout your bedroom.

7. Stay cool

keep your bedroom temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C).
choose breathable bedding and light sleepwear.
use fans or cooling devices, and consider taking a warm bath before bed.
ventilate your room and/or use a temperature-controlled mattress, if possible.

8. Create a peaceful sleep environment

ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool.
invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
remove distractions and keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free.
consider using a noise machine to offset environmental sounds or earplugs if necessary.

9. Get morning light

get light in your eyes within the first 15-30 min of waking to help anchor your circadian rhythm (body clock) and boost mood.
if you wake up before the sun like me, you can get the light from a 10,000 lux device.