Allen Platek is the vice president of new product development at Tempur Sealy International where he leads a team of 70 engineers, chemists, technicians and other professionals who create new products for the Lexington, Kentucky-based mattress major. In his free time, Platek, who lives in North Carolina, enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction, although he says that doesn’t include self-help books. He also plays golf, road cycles and works out at his local YMCA. Read our Nightcap Q&A With Allen Platek below.
BedTimes: What do you do before bed?
Allen Platek: The bedtime routine starts around 8:30 p.m. with a post-workout hot shower. I’ll watch some TV, do a dental hygiene routine, then read for 15 to 20 minutes. I’m usually asleep within five minutes.
BT: How many hours do you typically sleep? What’s the minimum you need to function?
AP: I typically get 6 ½ hours of sleep, a little more on the weekends. I try to keep the same schedule every day though. If I get less than 5 ½ hours, I’m not a happy boy.
BT: Pets in the bed – yay or nay?
AP: Sure, why not? The more the merrier. Until recently, Scout, my 13-year-old boxer mix, shared the bed. But she’s getting up there in years now and has a difficult time with the leap up onto the mattress.
BT: Barefoot or socks?
AP: 99% of the time I’m barefoot. Every now and then, I wear a pair of socks.
BT: What’s on your nightstand?
AP: “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney, my phone for the alarm, my glasses and a reading lamp.
BT: What is the best sleep product that you own and why?
AP: Bourbon! Seriously though, my Tempur-Pedic ProSmart base with the wind down feature. It relaxes you with calming music or any number of soundscapes, with accompanying acoustic massage.
BT: What are your best sleep tips?
AP: Consistent bedtime and wake up are important. So is the ability to push out thoughts about work or personal issues in your life. I have great success compartmentalizing. I try to avoid caffeine after 11 a.m., too.
BT: What are your secrets for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling?
AP: I wish I slept well when traveling but I try to stick with the consistent bed time and wake up that I have at home. Don’t eat too late and limit the alcohol.
BT: What do you do that breaks the traditional sleep rules?
AP: Just that I don’t get that recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. I’m consistently at 6 ½ hours.
BT: What do you do when/if you have insomnia?
AP: I have a meditation app that is a great aid if I wake up in the middle of the night.
BT: Let’s play a game of “Would You Rather.” Sleep mask or sound machine?
AP: Sound machine that is off. I hate white noise, but I hate sleep masks even more. Blackout curtains rule.
BT: Physical book or Kindle?
AP: I like to have a book in hand. There’s something about turning the pages, the smell of the paper, the weight in your hand. Yes, I’m old.
BT: Before bed — read a book, watch a show or listen to a podcast?
AP: Watch sports, then read. Podcasts are for my commute.
Read more Nightcap Q&As: Nightcap Q&A With John Merwin.
