Optimizing Your Sleep System with Derek Hales

Optimizing Your Sleep System with Derek Hales

From Hacking Your ADHD by William Curb

April 27, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 290

About this episode

This episode features a conversation with Derek Hales about optimizing sleep systems, particularly for those with ADHD.

Hey Team! So we've got a bit of a different kind of episode today. I am talking with Derek Hales, the founder and editor-in-chief of NapLab, a mattress review website. While that might not scream ADHD, I was interested in having this conversation because so many of us with ADHD have issues around sleep. And what really impressed me with Naplab is how they've really focused on turning mattress testing into actual science, moving away from just "it-feels-soft vibes" and towards using thermal cameras, accelerometers, and other gadgets to really see what's going on with each of these mattresses. And I know how that sounds, but it is actually kind of cool. Anyway, in our conversation today, we talked about a lot of what goes into choosing a mattress, what makes something good for one person and not the right fit for someone else. We spend time talking about this systems-first approach to sleep, how your bed frame, sheets, and even the light from things like your alarm clock can either support or sabotage your REM cycles. Of course, we also touch on some of the unique challenges of ADHD and sleep, from circadian rhythm delays to just trying to get our brains to quiet down at night. If…

People in this episode

Host: William Curb

Guest: Derek Hales

Topics covered

  • sleep optimization
  • ADHD and sleep
  • mattress science
  • sleep systems
  • circadian rhythms

Keywords

  • sleep
  • ADHD
  • mattress
  • NapLab
  • REM cycles
  • circadian rhythm
  • sleep systems

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NapLab, Hacking Your ADHD

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