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Is it possible to sleep 6 hours and get enough sleep: the opinion of experts in somnology
25.07.2024 02:40
In today's world, where time is at a premium, many people try to reduce the amount of sleep they get.
Six hours of sleep seems like the perfect compromise between rest and activity. But is it enough to fully restore the body?
Sleep norms and individual needs
The generally accepted sleep norm for an adult is 7-9 hours. However, the need for sleep is individual and can vary depending on genetics, lifestyle and health.
Some people feel rested after 6 hours of sleep, while others need 9 hours to be fully restored.
Sleep phases and their meaning
Sleep consists of several cycles, each of which includes phases of rapid and slow sleep. A full cycle lasts about 90 minutes.
During 6 hours of sleep, a person goes through approximately 4 cycles, which may be enough for basic restoration of the body.
However, with this regime, there is a risk of not getting enough deep sleep, which is most important for physical and mental recovery.
Consequences of Lack of Sleep
Regular lack of sleep can lead to a number of negative consequences. Concentration decreases, memory and learning ability deteriorate.
The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity increases.
In addition, lack of sleep can negatively affect your emotional state, causing irritability and even depression.
Adaptation to short sleep
Some studies show that the body can adapt to a reduced sleep schedule. However, this process is individual and takes time.
It is important to gradually reduce the duration of sleep and carefully monitor your well-being.
If after several weeks of adaptation there is no improvement, you should return to longer sleep.
Quality of sleep is more important than quantity
Experts stress that the quality of sleep is no less important than its duration. Six hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep can be more beneficial than eight hours of shallow, interrupted sleep.
To improve the quality of sleep, it is recommended to follow a routine, create comfortable conditions in the bedroom and avoid using electronic devices before bed.
Alternative sleep patterns
There are alternative sleep patterns, such as polyphasic sleep, in which sleep is divided into several short periods throughout the day.
However, such methods require careful preparation and are not suitable for everyone. Before experimenting with sleep patterns, you should consult a doctor.
Individual approach to sleep patterns
When choosing the optimal duration of sleep, it is important to listen to your body.
If after 6 hours of sleep a person feels alert and energetic during the day, this regimen may be suitable for him.
However, if you experience drowsiness, decreased performance or a deterioration in your well-being, you should increase your sleep time.
The role of a healthy lifestyle
It's important to remember that sleep quality depends on many factors. Eating right, exercising regularly, managing stress, and practicing good sleep hygiene can greatly improve your rest, even if you're getting less sleep than usual.
