Feeling Good With Less Than 7 Hours of Sleep
Many people believe getting 8–9 hours of sleep is essential for good health. However, some individuals claim to feel good after sleeping less than that. While this may seem strange, there are several reasons why it can happen.
Firstly, genetics significantly affect how much sleep a person needs. According to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, genetics accounts for up to 50% of the variation in sleep needs among individuals. Some people need more sleep to function well, while others require less. Those who feel good sleeping less than 8–9 hours may have inherited a genetic trait that allows them to function well on less sleep. For example, a genetic mutation known as the DEC2 gene is associated with short sleep duration without negatively affecting cognitive function or health (He et al., 2019).
Secondly, the quality of sleep matters more than quantity. If a person gets good quality sleep, they may feel refreshed and energized even after sleeping for less than 8–9 hours. On the other hand, someone who sleeps for 8–9 hours but has poor quality sleep may still feel tired and groggy upon waking up. Inadequate sleep quality can be due to several factors, such as sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea) or poor sleep hygiene (e.g., using electronic devices before bedtime).
Thirdly, lifestyle factors can also impact how much sleep a person needs. For example, someone who exercises regularly and eats a healthy diet may require less sleep than someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle and eats an unhealthy diet. Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (Kredlow et al., 2015). Similarly, a diet high in sugar and saturated fat has been associated with poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration (St-Onge et al., 2016).
In conclusion, feeling good after sleeping less than 8–9 hours can be due to genetics, quality of sleep, and lifestyle factors. While getting enough sleep for good health is important, it is also essential to listen to one’s body and determine what works best for them individually.
How much sleep do we need?
The amount of sleep a person needs can vary depending on age, lifestyle, and health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults aged 18–64 need 7–9 hours of sleep per night, while older adults aged 65+ need 7–8 hours. However, these are just general guidelines, and some individuals may need more or less sleep depending on their needs.
It is important to note that sleep deprivation can negatively affect one’s health, including decreased cognitive function, increased risk of accidents, and a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize getting enough high-quality sleep for optimal health and well-being.
Suppose you are having trouble sleeping or are consistently feeling tired despite getting enough sleep. In that case, speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and find appropriate solutions may be helpful.
Note: there are a lot of things that are not included in this article, so if you want to learn more, wait for part 2, where I break down this issue
Citation (MLA citation)
He, Y., Jones, C. R., Fujiki, N., Xu, Y., Guo, B., Holder, J. L., … & Fu, Y. H. (2019). The transcriptional repressor DEC2 regulates sleep length in mammals. Science, 365(6450), 1058–1064.
St-Onge, M. P., Roberts, A. L., Chen, J., Kelleman, M., O’Keeffe, M., RoyChoudhury, A., & Jones, P. J. (2016). Short sleep duration increases energy intake but does not change energy expenditure in normal-weight individuals. The American Journal of clinical nutrition, 103(3), 667–676.
National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? Retrieved September 14, 2021, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
Watson, S. (2018, December 14). Why do you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep? CNN. Retrieved September 14, 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/14/health/tired-after-sleeping-wellness/index.html
WebMD. (2020, February 12). Can Sleep Deprivation Make You Sick? Retrieved September 14, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-deprivation-effects-on-memory
