Steamy Nights for Deeper Sleep

Why I Take a Hot Shower Before Bed Every Evening

At 70 years old, grinding toward my audacious goal of living to 200 with The 200 Year Life Project, sleep is non-negotiable—it's the ultimate recovery tool for cellular repair, hormone balance, and cognitive sharpness. Even though I already take a refreshing shower every morning to kickstart the day, I make it a point to take a hot shower every single night about 1-2 hours before bed. It's one of my simplest yet most effective biohacks for falling asleep faster and waking up more restored.

The Science: How Heat Triggers Your Body's Natural Sleep Signal

Hot ShowerYour core body temperature naturally drops by about 0.5-1°F in the evening as part of the circadian rhythm—that's the signal telling your brain it's time to wind down. A hot shower (or bath) accelerates this process in a clever way: The warm water dilates blood vessels, pushing heat to your skin, hands, and feet. When you step out, that heat dissipates quickly through evaporation and radiation, causing a rapid drop in core temperature—mimicking (and enhancing) the body's pre-sleep cooldown.

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My Daily Supplement Stack

Fueling the Journey to 200 Years

As a 70-year-old on a mission to become the first human to live to 200, transparency is key in The 200 Year Life Project. That's why I publicly share every detail of my longevity protocol on GaryLeland.com/data. Today, I want to dive into the supplements I take daily (does not include supplements for sleep)—these are the building blocks I'm using to optimize my healthspan, combat aging at the cellular level, and push the boundaries of human potential.

Inspired by pioneers like Bryan Johnson and the latest research in longevity science, my stack focuses on supporting brain health, heart function, skin vitality, inflammation reduction, and overall cellular repair.  I've noted the primary benefits based on what the science suggests (and what I've experienced).

Supplements 2Here's my current supplement lineup:

  • NMN Powder: 1,500 mg (split into 500 mg three times a day) – Boosts NAD+ levels for energy and cellular repair (brain focus).
  • Resveratrol: 500 mg – Activates sirtuins for anti-aging effects (brain).
  • Creatine Monohydrate: 10 grams (with a pinch of sea salt) – Supports muscle preservation and cognitive function (brain).
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My Four-Cup Morning Coffee Protocol

a comprehensive summary of my last three posts about my coffee protocol

four-cups-of-coffeeI'm all in on stacking evidence-based habits that extend not just lifespan, but vibrant healthspan. One of my absolute favorites — and a daily non-negotiable — is my four-cup morning coffee routine. I've shared details across several posts and videos, but today I'm pulling it all together into one comprehensive summary.

This isn't random; it's a deliberate protocol built on clean, high-quality coffee plus targeted additives that deliver massive benefits for brain health, energy, muscle preservation, heart protection, and overall longevity. Four cups might sound like a lot (and it might be for some — listen to your body), but it works perfectly for me, providing sustained fuel without jitters or crashes.

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My 1st Cup of Coffee

Adding Unsweetened Cocoa to Coffee for Longevity and Peak Performance

Hey everyone, back on the 200-Year Life Project! This blog tracks my experiments and evidence-based strategies to maximize healthspan — aiming not just for a long life, but one full of energy, sharp cognition, and resilience well into advanced age. Small, daily habits compound massively over decades, so I'm always hunting for simple tweaks with outsized benefits.

One of my favorites lately: stirring a teaspoon of high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder into my morning black coffee. It turns a regular brew into a rich, mocha-like experience without sugar or calories, and the health synergies are impressive — especially for brain health, heart protection, mood, and sustained energy. I've been doing this daily for months, and it's become a cornerstone ritual. Let's break down the science and why it fits perfectly into a longevity-focused lifestyle.

Coffee and CocoaHow I Do It: Simple and Effective

I brew a strong cup of organic black coffee, then add 1–2 teaspoons of pure, unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably raw or minimally processed for maximum flavanols). Stir vigorously — it blends beautifully, creating a deep, chocolatey depth without bitterness overload. No milk, no sugar — just pure synergy. The result? A smoother caffeine hit with richer flavor and bonus nutrients.

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My 2nd Cup of Coffee

Boosting Brainpower with Creatine in Coffee and a Pinch of Salt

Hey everyone, welcome back to the 200-Year Life Project! If you're new here, this is my ongoing journey to optimize every aspect of my health, habits, and mindset to push the boundaries of human longevity. I'm not just aiming for a long life—I'm chasing a vibrant, high-performing one that could theoretically stretch to 200 years.

It's all about stacking small wins that compound over time. Today, I want to share one of my favorite daily hacks: mixing creatine into my morning coffee, topped off with a pinch of salt. This is how I drink my second cup of coffee every morning. It sounds quirky, but it's become a non-negotiable part of my routine.

The benefits—especially for my mental sharpness—have been game-changing. Let's dive into why I do this, how it fits into my longevity strategy, and the science backing it up.

CreatineWhy Creatine in Coffee? The Setup

First off, a quick rundown on my method. I brew a strong cup of black coffee (organic, single-origin beans for that antioxidant punch), then stir in 10 grams of creatine monohydrate powder. To make it mix smoothly and enhance absorption, I add a tiny pinch of sea salt—think 1/8 teaspoon or less.

Why salt? It cuts through any residual bitterness in the coffee, brings out subtle sweetness, and, importantly, the sodium helps with creatine uptake into my muscles and cells. No fancy equipment needed; just a spoon and a mug. I sip it slowly while planning my day, and it sets me up for focused, productive hours ahead.

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My 3rd Cup of Coffee

A Guide to Making Coffee with MCT Oil and Ghee

Welcome back to The 200 Year Project, where I explore science-backed habits, nutrition, and lifestyle tweaks designed to extend healthspan and push the boundaries of human longevity. Today, we're diving into a simple yet powerful morning ritual: enhancing your coffee with MCT oil and ghee. This isn't just a trendy hack—it's a bio-optimized brew . Often called “Bulletproof Coffee” (popularized by Dave Asprey), this combination can supercharge your energy, sharpen your mind, and support metabolic health, all while aligning with longevity principles like ketosis and nutrient density.

If you're aiming for that 200-year horizon, incorporating healthy fats into your routine can help combat inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and fuel your brain for peak performance. I have four cups of coffee every morning and this is how I prepare one of my four cups. Let's break it down: the recipe, the science-backed benefits, and why this could become your new go-to for sustained vitality.

Coffee MCT Oil and GheeWhat Makes This Coffee Special?

Traditional coffee gives you a caffeine jolt, but adding MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil and ghee transforms it into a creamy elixir. MCT oil is a fast-absorbing fat that bypasses typical digestion for quick energy. Ghee, or clarified butter, is lactose-free and packed with fat-soluble vitamins. Together with coffee's antioxidants, they create a synergistic drink that promotes satiety, mental clarity, and even fat adaptation—key for those practicing intermittent fasting or low-carb lifestyles.

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Blocking Junk Light at Night:

Why TrueDark Glasses Are Non-Negotiable in My 200-Year Life Protocol

True Dark GlassesAt 70, I’m stacking every edge I can to protect my sleep—and my shot at becoming the first human to hit 200. One of the simplest, most impactful additions to my evening routine? TrueDark glasses.

I put them on every night, usually 1–2 hours before bed, and I genuinely like them. They’re comfortable, effective, and have noticeably improved how quickly I fall asleep and how rested I feel in the morning.

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Enhancing My Sleep with the Ultrahuman Ring

A Step Toward the 200-Year Life

As part of my ongoing 200-Year Life Project, where I'm exploring every tool, habit, and innovation that could help extend my lifespan and optimize health, I've been diving deep into wearable tech. Today, I want to share my experience with the Ultrahuman Ring that's revolutionized how I track and improve my sleep. If you're like me, chasing that elusive goal of living healthier for longer, sleep is the foundation. Poor sleep can sabotage everything from cognitive function to immune response, and at my age, I'm not taking any chances.

The UltraHuman Ring

The UltraHuman Ring.

What is the Ultrahuman Ring?

For those unfamiliar, the Ultrahuman Ring is a compact wearable device designed to monitor your body's vital metrics 24/7. Its focuses on actionable insights without the bulk of a smartwatch. It tracks heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, movement, and—most crucially for this post—sleep patterns. No screens, no distractions; just slip it on your finger, sync it with the app, and let it do the work.

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Your Coffee May Be Killing You!

Simple Changes May Save Your Coffee.

I love coffee and have been drinking three to four cups a day for years. I never knew about the problems with coffee until recently and want to share that information with you.

I never knew that my coffee was slowly poisoning me.

Simple Changes May Save Your Coffee.

Simple Changes May Save Your Coffee.

First problem: Plastic Pods.

If you’re still using those one-time-use pods, stop today. You’re shooting 185–195 °F water through plastic. That leaches microplastics and nano-plastics straight into your brew. We already can’t escape microplastics in 2025, but we sure as hell don’t need to mainline them at breakfast. Pods also sit in warehouses for 6–18 months → perfect mold factory. Double whammy.

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Start Your Day On Track

My Dead Simple Morning Ritual

Here is a rundown of my dead simple morning ritual that I knock out literally within minutes of opening my eyes.

Start Your Day  On Track

Start Your Day With Apple Cidar Vinegar.

Step 1: I kick things off with 2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother) mixed into chamomile tea that I sweeten with a packet of stevia, hit it with two shakes of cinnamon and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. This combo loads me with prebiotics for the gut, blood-sugar control, polyphenols that crush inflammation, memory-boosting compounds, fat-cell blockers, and piperine that makes everything absorb better — all while tasting way less nasty than straight apple cider vinegar.

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Embarking on the 200 Year Life Project:

My Ultimate Longevity Journey

At 70 years old, I've decided to set an audacious goal: I intend to be the first human to live to 200 years old. This isn't just wishful thinking—it's the foundation of my new venture, the 200 Year Life Project: The Ultimate Longevity Journey.

Gary with Mayor Williams

I can't wait to see the world of the future.

Inspired by pioneers like Bryan Johnson and his “Don't Die” philosophy, I'm documenting every step of this radical experiment in health, biohacking, and extreme longevity and I'm inviting you to join me.

Why Now? Why Me? For decades, I pushed my body to the limit. I smoked three packs a day from 1969 until I quit in 1989. Heavy drinking was part of my routine starting around the same time, though I've since cut it out entirely. At my heaviest, I tipped the scales at over 350 pounds and now I'm holding steady at around 184 pounds. Sleep? I used to average just five hours a night, leaving me foggy and drained. Something shifted when I dove into the latest advancements in AI and longevity science.

Predictions suggest we're on the cusp of massive leaps in human lifespan: from today's average of about 78 years to 100, then 120, and beyond. I don't want to miss out. My aim is to arrive there in sound mind and body—stronger at 200 than I am today.

Watching Bryan Johnson's documentary “Don't Die” was a turning point. His relentless pursuit of reversing aging lit a fire under me. If he's pushing boundaries with rigorous protocols, why can't a 70-year-old Boomer like me do the same?

My Starting Point: Radical Changes for Radical Results.

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I Lost Over 100 Pounds

Since the date of this post I have lost 58 more pounds and now am 184 Pounds

If you know me, then you know I gained some weight. I am really being super kind to myself to say that. I really should say that I got fat as a pig, weighing in at over three hundred, and fifty pounds.

I did not have a problem calling myself fat when I weighed three hundred, and fifty pounds, and I am still fat at two hundred, and forty one pounds. Yes I said two hundred, and forty one pounds, and that means I have lot over one hundred, and eleven pounds. That is a lot of weight.

fatGaryIt has taken quite a while to loose this much weight. I did not gain it over night, and I did not loose it over night. People who have not seen me in a while really notice. I hear things like OMG, You have lost some weight!, and “Have you been on a diet?”

There are two questions people ask me over, and over. The first question is “Do you feel a lot different?” Well yes I do fell a lot different. I say that, but I feel different in ways that skinny people don't think about. An example is I had to ask for an extender for my seat belt on a flight some time ago. Now that is kind of a wake up moment, and embarrassing to say the least. I was too fat to buckle the seat belt on the plane. It is things like that where I feel the big difference, and I could name quite a few more examples.

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It Is Gary Leland Day In Arlington, Texas

Mayor Williams Makes The Proclamation

Gary with Mayor Williams

Mayor Williams Proclaims March 1st Gary Leland Day in Arlington, Texas

I was caught off guard when I read the email. The email from Mayor Williams stated that his office, and the City Council thought I deserved to have a day named after me in my hometown of Arlington, Texas.

At first I thought it was a joke put together by my wife Kathy, but after taking a second look at the email I realized it was legit.

How could this happen? How would the City Council, and Mayor Williams know anything about me?

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Concerts

I use to love going to them when I was young.

When I was younger, and I mean much younger I really use to love going to concerts.

I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina which is not know as a music city, but it did have its share of concerts in the 70's

I attended my first concert when I was in the 9th grade so I guess that was around 1969. We went to see a concert by a singer named Alice Cooper.

I was not familiar with Alice Cooper, but assumed she would be worth the $2 it cost to buy a ticket. One great thing about concerts in the 70's was the price. If a concert cost more than $3 it was way too expensive.

When I arrived at the concert I was in for a big surprise. Alice Cooper was not a girl. Alice was a male hard core rocker, and his concert was really great. I mean it was fantastic. I had never seen anything like it.

That concert started my trend of seeing as many concerts as possible. Over the next 10 years I went to just about every concert I had the opportunity to attend.

I made the following list for a Facebook Post some time ago, but thought I would share it here.

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Hanging Out With Tom Cruise

Born On The fourth Of JulyYes, I was hanging out with Tom Cruise.

During my one, and only appearance in a major motion picture. I was in the movie Born On The Fourth Of July with Tom Cruise.

Being in a major motion picture was a great experience. For a full week I was hanging out with Tom Cruise, and having a blast. While doing this I really learned a lot about Movie Magic while there. It makes for a great story that I am going to share with you. A story of how some opportunities are made, not given.

It all started one day while driving to work in Dallas. I was listening to the radio, and a story came on about a movie being filmed at the Dallas Convention Center. Since I was a salesman and could schedule up my own day I went straight downtown to the conventions center to see what was going on.

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About Gary

My History

Gary Leland Speaking I moved to Texas from South Carolina in 1979. Arriving in Texas with less than $10 in my pocket and immediately started a new job as a door to door salesman selling storm windows and doors.

I married Kathy Morey and has now been married 43 years. In 1981 Kathy and I opened our first retail store selling decorating products. Today Leland's Wallpaper is not only still in business, but is the largest wallpaper store in Texas. We sold Leland's Wallpaper in 2021.

In 1989 Gary made his first and only appearance in a Major Motion Picture when he was a featured extra in the movie Born On The Fourth Of July staring Tom Cruise. You can read about that experience in Gary's article Hanging Out With Tom Cruise.

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