Why Sleep Is Overrated: How to Thrive on Less Sleep
Tips for busy professionals and task-jugglers.
Sleep is an essential part of our lives. It is the time when our body rests and rejuvenates, and our mind processes the events of the day. However, it is also a fact that many people struggle to get enough sleep.
There are many reasons for this, such as stress, anxiety, and a busy schedule. But what if I told you that sleep is overrated? What if I told you that you can thrive on less sleep? In this article, we will explore the idea that sleep is overrated and look at ways to thrive on less sleep.
The idea that sleep is overrated may seem surprising to some people. After all, we are often told that we need 7–8 hours of sleep each night to function properly. But recent research has challenged this notion.
Some experts believe that we can function just as well on less sleep, provided that we get high-quality sleep.
One study published in the journal Sleep found that people who slept 6.5 hours per night performed just as well on cognitive tests as those who slept 8.5 hours per night.
Another study published in the journal PLOS One found that people who slept 5 hours per night for a week performed just as well on cognitive tests as those who slept 8 hours per night. These studies suggest that we may not need as much sleep as we think.
So, why is sleep overrated? The answer lies in the quality of our sleep. It is not necessarily the quantity of sleep that matters, but rather the quality. If we can get high-quality sleep, we may be able to thrive on less sleep. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sleep:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Create a relaxing sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.
- Avoid screens before bedtime: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime. Also, try to exercise regularly and avoid napping during the day.
- Take power naps: If you are feeling tired during the day, consider taking a power nap. A power nap is a short nap of 20–30 minutes that can help you recharge and increase alertness. Just be careful not to nap for too long, as this can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Consider natural sleep aids: There are many natural sleep aids, such as chamomile tea, lavender essential oil, and melatonin supplements. These can help promote relaxation and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Prioritize your tasks: When you are working with less sleep, it is important to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones. This will help you conserve your energy and avoid burnout.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your mood, even if you are getting less sleep. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine.
- Take breaks: If you are working or studying for long periods, be sure to take regular breaks. This will help prevent burnout and improve your productivity.
By following these tips, you may be able to get the high-quality sleep you need to thrive on less sleep. However, it is important to note that not everyone can function on less sleep. Some people may require more sleep than others. If you are consistently getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night and feel tired during the day, you may not be getting enough sleep.
Sleep is an important part of our lives, but it may be overrated. By focusing on the quality of our sleep, rather than the quantity, we may be able to thrive on less sleep.
By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your sleep and potentially reduce the amount of sleep you need.
(But hey, listen to your body!)
