I’m curious if it’s possible to train our bodies to require less sleep as we age, similar to how we can increase our strength through training. As people age, they seem to need less sleep. Is this due to biological changes, or is it because we gradually adapt to getting less sleep due to increasing responsibilities? I’m wondering if anyone has experimented with gradually reducing their sleep to see if it’s possible to function well on less.
Actually, older adults need just as much sleep as younger adults to function optimally. Going without sleep for more than a week can be fatal.
Linden said:
Actually, older adults need just as much sleep as younger adults to function optimally. Going without sleep for more than a week can be fatal.
There’s no solid proof that sleep deprivation alone can cause death.
@Jules
That’s incorrect. Sleep deprivation can indeed be fatal. The body will eventually force sleep before reaching that point, however. Chronic lack of sleep increases the risk of numerous health issues like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and more.
@Clarke
I’ve been sleeping poorly for 9 years, recently getting only about two hours per night.
Jules said:
@Clarke
I’ve been sleeping poorly for 9 years, recently getting only about two hours per night.
Living on such little sleep might feel manageable now, but it significantly compromises long-term health, much worse than many other harmful habits.
@Clarke
I’m not just dealing with sleep issues; I’m also battling constant stress, smoking, and drinking.
Jules said:
@Clarke
I’m not just dealing with sleep issues; I’m also battling constant stress, smoking, and drinking.
It sounds like you’re going through a lot. Cutting back on drinking might help, as would tackling one issue at a time. It’s tough, especially in cultures that heavily feature drinking socially.
@Clarke
I drink to cope with life’s stresses and my health issues. It feels like the only break I get from the constant noise in my head.
Jules said:
@Clarke
I drink to cope with life’s stresses and my health issues. It feels like the only break I get from the constant noise in my head.
Professional help could make a significant difference. It’s tough, but addressing these issues gradually could improve your quality of life significantly.
Sleep is as essential as food and water. While training at high altitudes might temporarily reduce oxygen needs, it doesn’t eliminate the necessity. Similarly, we can’t eliminate the need for sleep, but perhaps we could optimize it?
@Bayley
I agree that we can’t eliminate the need entirely, but I’m curious if we could reduce it slightly and still maintain health, much like adapting to less oxygen.
Some people practice polyphasic sleep, which involves taking multiple short naps throughout the day instead of a long overnight sleep. It’s not for everyone but could be an interesting experiment.
While it’s true that sleep patterns can change with age, this doesn’t necessarily mean we need less sleep. Reduced sleep quality and duration in the elderly can contribute to various health declines.
Clarke said:
While it’s true that sleep patterns can change with age, this doesn’t necessarily mean we need less sleep. Reduced sleep quality and duration in the elderly can contribute to various health declines.
That makes sense. Quality sleep seems to be crucial at any age. I’m trying to understand if we can enhance our sleep efficiency.