Sleep is an important aspect of our overall wellbeing. Many of us, however, suffer from not getting a good night sleep. Optimally, we should get between seven and eight hours each night. How many hours do you get? If you don’t get the recommended 7 or 8, please tell us why in the comments section!
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This changed a lot when I got married. I used to be in the 6 or 7 hours (or less) category. Now it’s 7 or 8 ever night. And I get sick a lot less…
After my event in January, I’ve been getting on average 9 or 10. I’m kind of worried…either I REALLY am recuperating (highly possible), or something is amiss…
Need to track this for another week…
After conducting my own “Do It Yourself Home Sleep Study,” I found that approximately 6 hours of sleep per night is optimal, for me: less than that, and I am tired and irritable; more than 6 hours, leaves me quite lethargic and dragging through the day… It has taken me quite some time to arrive at my personal “Magic Sleep Hour Number,” but everyone is unique, and it does seem that the majority of folks in my age group (50-something!), do feel better, on at least 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night. ;D
After working for 41 years, I rarely slept more than 6 hours a night. Since last August, when I retired, I sleep 7 to 8 hours a night and feel better than I have in years. There is a great life to look forward to after retirement.
I sleep approximately seven hours (sometimes six) but there are other times when I wake up very early (for no apparent reason.)When this ‘broken sleep’ pattern happens I get up feeling energetic and stay up for an hour or so before returning to bed. When it is time to rise once again and start the day, I feel tired and lethargic and disgruntled (to say the least.) It takes me quite a while to get myself motivated and ready to face what’s ahead. I can’t understand the energy boost I feel so early – (4:00am?)I just wish I could be as energetic in normal hours. Maybe a change of lifestyle is required??
A couple of things to think about: are you drinking any caffeinated beverages before going to sleep? Or, are you consuming anything else that might inhibit yourself from having a good night sleep? On another note, do you go to bed with a lot on your mind? You might want to jot down things you are thinking about on a pad before you go to sleep. This will help your mind relax more, potentially allowing you to sleep better through the night. That said, it isn’t uncommon to occasionally have a middle of the night wake up. But if it is constant, you might want to consider visiting a sleep clinic where they might be able to gain insights into the pattern.
Thank you Brett for your insight and advice. Regarding drinking,I never touch alcohol and rarely coffee. My main drink is green tea without sugar or milk. I am a non-smoker so that’s out. It rang a bell when you mentioned going to bed with a lot on my mind.
Apart from the usual everyday problems, I am a very heavy reader and will read late into the night. Maybe if I cut down on the reading it could help? Added to that, I think I need to get out and start walking more often. Lack of exercise could play a part? I might just add one more thing…I seem to dream extensively??
Once again, many thanks and I will keep a note pad handy and start to record my thoughts as you suggest.
Dreaming isn’t necessarily a sign of anything wrong. It is important to dream, as it is actually an important activity for your brain. Exercise, definitely helps to promote good sleep. Don’t exercise too close to bedtime though, as your body needs enough time to “decompress” from the revved up mode it goes into during exercise. Good luck!