Sleep - how much do you need?

[Matt Emery]

I tend to perform at my peak after a good 8 to 9 hours sleep.  Anything less than 6 hours sleep and I feel weak, anxious, and delirious.  But I know of some people that operate well with only 5 or 6 hours sleep, I wonder why?

Additionally, a major complication is the fact that our 'Circadian Rhythms' are distorted due to artificial lighting and our indoors lifestyle.  It is widely believed (and proven) that our brains release certain chemicals to induce sleep when there is little or no light filtering through our eyeballs - which supports the assertion that artificial lighting effects our sleep patterns.

So, how about you - how long do you typically sleep for?

[Phanatic]

Yep, our circadian rhythms are disrupted by artificial light, which is a whole lot weaker than natural sunlight. The sun gives our body the cue that it's daytime, and lack of the sun means it's night time, and soon time to sleep (melatonin the sleep hormone is only produced in the absence of light). Our sleep systems work better with sunlight, exercise, paleo foods that don't rollercoaster our blood sugar, and a lack of stimulants and depressants like coffee and alcohol.

I find that when I sleep with my curtains open, the sun can wake me up pretty well, without the grogginess associated with many people. I can do pretty well with 6 hours of sleep, but I don't do any exercise either (which I am soon to change).

[Matt Emery]

Yep, our circadian rhythms are disrupted by artificial light, which is a whole lot weaker than natural sunlight. The sun gives our body the cue that it's daytime, and lack of the sun means it's night time, and soon time to sleep (melatonin the sleep hormone is only produced in the absence of light). Our sleep systems work better with sunlight, exercise, paleo foods that don't rollercoaster our blood sugar, and a lack of stimulants and depressants like coffee and alcohol.

Well put, and I agree.

[elitesoldier]

hey matt i envy you if you get to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. in the military they tell us that "the Army didnt issue you sleep so take whatever time you do sleep as a cruch" i usually get about 6 hours or less. in Ranger school we would get an average of about 2 hours a night if we were lucky. but one day when i retire from the military i think im gonna blockoff a whole week devoted to sleeping!!

[BigKhanz]

It's not just the amount of sleep, it's how well you sleep. There have been several studies about sleep using powerlifters and bodybuilders as subjects that showed 6hrs of deep sleep was vastly superior to 8hrs of sleep interrupted throught the night in regards to hGH and iGF production.

The deeper the sleep, the better the body builds and repairs itself regardless of the time actually slept.

[Tulsa]

I typically sleep 6-7 hours a night. I go to bed at 8, get up at 4 for work. I'm in bed 8 hours but don't sleep the whole time. On weekends I can get in 8-9 hours sleep which I really enjoy.

[swamtheman]

I think I have to agree that for the most part it is the quality of sleep that matters most.  After a killer workout I can get 5 or 6 hours of awesome sleep and feel great the next.  But I must say that I do love those days where I can afford 8-9 hours though 

[gunfix_r]

Unfortunetly I battle with insomnia due to a head injury a number of years ago.   Some nights 2hrs.  Most nights 4 or 5.  There is still the occasional 1 or less,  but I guess I am just used to it after all these years.  If I manage to get 8  I feel like total crap the next day.

[MrWinchell]

I seem to do fine with 6 but I prefer 8. I love to sleep because I love to dream.

[SidheDraoi]

I love to sleep because I love to dream.

I'm right with you there! I dream alot, especially recently. Every now and then I will have spiritually enlightening dreams that will last a could couple of weeks, it keeps my mood up. Which is good considering my current predicament, I need that boost 

that'd also explain why I have been reading shakespear plays like theres no tomorrow... I love dreaming in shakespear haha

[Rossy]

I guess am getting used to roughly 7.5 hours per night and maybe 8.5 on a weekend. Always feel crap when I wake though and nearly always tap the snooze button twice for a gentle wake!!! Am I normal 

[Alex Good]

hey matt i envy you if you get to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. in the military they tell us that "the Army didnt issue you sleep so take whatever time you do sleep as a cruch" i usually get about 6 hours or less. in Ranger school we would get an average of about 2 hours a night if we were lucky. but one day when i retire from the military i think im gonna blockoff a whole week devoted to sleeping!!

 So in the military they want you operating at a low performance level? Are they expecting to not have to pay you when you die?

[Olin35]

Hi Everyone...
      In general 8 hours sleep on the average is essential for good health.
I am free now a days and don;t have much to do so I sleep at most 10 hours a day.
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[amysue]

If I sleep more than 8 hours I usually wake with a headache and feel lazy all day.  If I do sleep too long I find it hard to go to sleep the next night.

[Lovejamie]

I usually get right at 7 hours of sleep a night.  It is very true that the type of sleep you get matters a whole lot.  I used to have a spring mattress that would make me toss and turn.  I would get 8/9 hours of sleep and still feel horrible in the morning.  I have since switched to a tempurpedic and after 7hrs, I feel refreshed and ready to start my day.