When I started researching and writing my book The Sleep Revolution in early 2015, sleep was barely a part of our national conversation — let alone the conversation about health. But in the three years since The Sleep Revolution was published, we really have had a sleep revolution. There’s been an explosion of sleep science, of sleep technology, of stories on how important sleep is to every aspect of our lives. The conversation has hit an inflection point: it’s now less about “why” than “how.” People are increasingly aware that they need to get enough good sleep, but they need help turning that awareness into action.
That’s part of what we’re doing at Thrive Global – accelerating that culture shift. And that’s why I’m so thrilled to be welcoming Shelly Ibach as Thrive Global’s Sleep Editor-at-Large.
Not only is this the right time, but Shelly is the right person. Since 2012, she’s been President and CEO of Sleep Number. And during that time, she’s been a pioneer on the intersection of health, technology, well-being, and performance – all of which starts with sleep. We’re learning from an incredible amount of recent sleep research how sleep is the underpinning of every aspect of our physical health, our mental health, our relationships, our job performance and our overall well-being. At the same time, there have been incredible advances in sleep technology. And that’s where Shelly has led Sleep Number: to the forefront of sleep innovation, relentlessly using cutting-edge science, technology and data to help people get more sleep.
I first met Shelly in 2015 and she greeted me not just by shaking hands, but by giving me her Sleep IQ score – I knew instantly we were kindred spirits! And our bond wasn’t just about our dedication to getting a good night’s sleep. What I love about Shelly, and the reason she’s coming aboard as our Sleep Editor-at-Large, is her belief in the transformative power of sleep. As she writes in her first Letter from the Editor, “sleep can and will change the world.”
That’s exactly what she’s doing, both as a thought leader and innovator on sleep and technology and as the CEO of Sleep Number. She’s demonstrated not only how sleep is a health issue, but how technology can be used to improve our sleep, our performance and our overall well-being. She’s literally helping to change the way the world sleeps.
And as Editor-at-Large, she’ll be curating, chronicling and celebrating all the ways this is happening. In our new section, Sleep Well, presented by our partner Sleep Number, you’ll find the latest science on sleep, health and technology, expert advice, personal stories and insights on how you can unlock your own potential through the power of sleep.
I’m so excited for the conversation we’ll be sparking and convening together as we launch this partnership with Sleep Number — Thrive’s new official sleep partner! And we welcome your voice to the conversation as well. So join us on this next stage of the sleep revolution. As Shelly says, “sleep well, dream big!”