Chapter 9

Sacred Sleep (and the Hormonal

Helpers)

Do but consider what an excellent thing sleep is . . . that
golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. Who
complains of want? of wounds? of cares? of great men’s
oppressions? of captivity? whilst he sleepeth? Beggars in
their beds take as much pleasure as kings: can we therefore
surfeit on this delicate Ambrosia?

–THOMAS DEKKER, PLAYWRIGHT

Want a “biohack”? Here’s one: go to sleep.
I know, I know. Easier said than done, Max. I run a
business! I’m in grad school! I have two and a half kids! I’m
not caught up on Game of Thrones! I get it. We all have
careers, obligations to our friends and families, creative
endeavors, shows we want to watch, and of course the
upkeep of our precious Instagram-Facebook-Twitter-
Snapchat-Tinder accounts. But as you’re about to see, sleep
controls the tide on all the ships in your harbor, and a good
night’s sleep raises them all. It solidifies our memories,
boosts our creativity, increases our willpower, and regulates
our appetite. It resets our hormones, gives our neurons a