When not staying busy as the co-founder of United Mert Makina, the company formed earlier this year from a merger between Delray Beach, Florida-based United Mattress Machinery and Kayseri, Turkey-based Mert Makina, Michael Porter Jr. likes to completely check out of work by putting his phone away. He unwinds by cooking authentic Chinese food at home and making the most of his lifestyle in South Florida. “It’s a pool day literally every day here,” he says. He enjoys swimming with his kids, Hadley and Michael III. Another activity he can’t wait to share with them? Lacrosse. He’s already purchased their lacrosse sticks, even though they’re 2 ½ years old and 6 months old, respectively.
BedTimes: Tell us about your bedtime routine. What do you do before bed?
Michael Porter: One of my favorite parts of my day is putting my young daughter Hadley to sleep. She is 2 ½ years old. After she goes down, my wife and I usually watch some TV and talk about our days. I am a sucker for reality TV, and it helps me decompress from my workday. I am also a huge Edy’s popsicle fan before bed.
BT: What do you avoid before bed?
MP: WhatsApp and emails (work!)
BT: How many hours of sleep do you typically get?
MP: Five to six hours at the most.
BT: Pets in the bed – yay or nay?
MP: When I had my basset hound, Walter, he chose to sleep in bed with me.
BT: Barefoot or socks?
MP: Barefoot – 100%.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
MP: An iPad and books that I am reading. Right now, it’s “Tribal Leadership” by Dave Logan.
BT: Are you a napper?
MP: I absolutely cannot take a nap. I wish I could.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
MP: I use the 3-6-9 meditation breathing technique if I have had a busy or stressful day. That really helps calm myself and prepare my body for sleep. Try it!
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling?
MP: It is always tough to sleep well on the road, but do not check your phone if you wake up in the middle of the night. That will kill your rest and your performance the next day. I also bring a pillow with me for long trips because, in my opinion, a bad pillow is worse than a bad mattress.
BT: Is there anything else you would like to add?
MP: I am preaching to the choir here but get yourself a great mattress. People think office chairs are where we spend the most time but it’s our mattress. A great mattress will help your sleep tremendously.
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