Do We Really Need 8 Hours of Sleep?

Sleep is arguably the main catalyst for success. Ensuring that you get the right amount of sleep is important as it can lead to better focus and concentration in day to day life. Having control of your sleeping pattern is essential so that you don’t begin to start feeling constantly tired. We’ve all heard about the ‘8 hour sleep myth’, but do we really need 8 hours sleep to feel refreshed?

An average adult will require between 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep per night. But this isn’t always the case, as many people can function with as little as 5 hours sleep per night. Alternatively, there are even some people that will need over 9 hours of sleep every night. It all depends on the person, as well as if they have any outstanding sleep debt.

The amount of sleep a person needs can vary based on a number of factors, including age, lifestyle, and genetics. While some people may feel refreshed after only a few hours of sleep, most adults require between 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Here are a few reasons why getting adequate sleep is important:

1. Health: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Studies have linked lack of sleep to a range of health problems, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

2. Cognitive function: Sleep plays a critical role in cognitive function, including attention, memory, and decision-making. Lack of sleep can impair these functions and make it harder to focus and learn.

3. Emotional well-being: Sleep is also important for emotional regulation and mental health. Lack of sleep can contribute to irritability, mood swings, and even depression.

4. Physical performance: Adequate sleep is important for physical performance, including athletic ability and coordination. Lack of sleep can impair reaction time, balance, and coordination.

While there may be individual differences in how much sleep each person needs, getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is generally considered a good guideline to aim for. It's also important to prioritize quality sleep, meaning creating a sleep-friendly environment and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.

A huge change in the amount of sleep that adults have been getting has been declining over recent years. During the 1960s, it was proven that the average adult would be getting roughly 8 hours to 8.5 hours of sleep per night. Whereas now, the average adult is getting 7 hours to 7.5 hours of sleep. This either shows that our bodies are adjusting to getting shorter sleep periods, or our lifestyles are simply too hectic, resulting in us getting less sleep.

There are a lucky bunch of us out there who are able to function on very little sleep. Short sleepers are people that still feel alert and refreshed, despite getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night. Short sleepers are able to function normally during the day despite their lack of sleep, This is because their brain is able to function as if they have had their 8 hours sleep, even though they may have only had 5 hours sleep.

In summary, 8 hours of sleep is highly recommended for adults, this is ideal amount of sleep that we should be getting each night. Unless you are a short sleeper, then sleeping less than 8 hours may have a negative effect on your focus and the effects of this can last for days until you make up on your lost sleep. If you need some inspiration to help you get your 8 hours, read the most effective sleep rituals revealed.

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