Do you REALLY need eight hours of sleep? I tend to get by on six with no noticeable effects. Any thoughts?

Question

Do you REALLY need eight hours of sleep? I tend to get by on six with no noticeable effects. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I read somewhere the other day that we dont need 8 hours.

6 is fine. In fact it said pople who slept for 5-6 hours lived longer than those who slept for 8-9

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Answer 2

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the amount of sleep needed. Age, for one, but also how much happened during the day, how many events you have to "digest", and it simply differs per person too. I know a person who needs only four hours of sleep, with no trouble. If six hours works out fine for you, then live with it, no worries!

Answer 3

I went to the sleep clinic awhile back due to the fact that I felt like I wasn't sleeping at all.  It turns out I was sleeping 6.5 hours, and the doctor said this was completely acceptable.  He said that each person was different but typically an adult requires 6.5 - 8 hours sleep per night, and as long as they are entering a REM cycle then they should be ok.  He also said that on average a person wakes up 10-30 times a night without even knowing it.  I woke up 18 times during my stay at the sleep clinic.

Answer 4

You should get at least 8, but many, many people make do with six. Eventually you'll get used to the way you feel after 6 hours of sleep.  

Answer 5

It depends on your age and your activity level. When I swam varsity in high school, I needed nine hours and up. I only run about an hour a day now, so I get by on about seven. If I get eight, I'm happiest. It's personal, though. It depends on how active you are.  

Answer 6

I need at least 8 otherwise I can't function the next day! You body gets used to the amount of sleep it gets, so if 6 hours does it for you, great!! Your body will tell you if that is not enough. Lots of people can do with a lot less than 6 hours and they are perfectly healthy!

Answer 7

it well not effect directly but when you get older you gonna feel the side effect of it  

Answer 8

It just depends.  Your age, activity level, circumstances, amount of stress, diet...all these things effect your sleep needs.  Your body will let you know if you need more sleep, so if six hours feels fine, you're probably okay.

Answer 9

Hello

Actually you do not really need 8 hours of sleep. You do not even need 6! There are some people whose metabolic rate is re-energized by only 4 hours of sleep a day! A very close friend of mine sleeps 3-4 hours a day and he is perfectly fine.

Bottom line is, it depends on your basic metabolic rate and your body requirements.

God bless.

Answer 10

i believe over time your body will start to react to the small amount of sleep and will probably give you a short temper and you'll become somewhat unknowingly depressed until you are once again rested

Answer 11

people are different when it comes to how long they need to sleep. even though it is recommended you sleep 8 hours a night, you still may be fine with as little as 5 or 6. for example, i could go on as little as 4 or 5 but my husband has to have at least 7. also age is a factor to consider.