I often feel like sleeping for more than 8 hours is a waste of my life. Is this a problematic way to view my sleep schedule?
It’s important to consider how you spend your waking hours, not just your sleeping ones. Many times, people find that they might waste more time awake than the time they think they’re ‘losing’ by sleeping.
@Bailey
You make a very good point. Perhaps I need to evaluate my waking hours as well.
Sleeping the amount of time your body needs isn’t a waste. If you’re regularly needing more than 10 hours, consider a consultation for sleep disorders like apnea. However, 9 hours is fairly normal for many people, especially if it helps you function optimally.
I actually look forward to sleep; it’s the most relaxing part of my day. Reducing sleep could mean missing out on crucial restoration time for your body and mind.
Think about it this way: insufficient sleep can shorten your lifespan and affect health. During sleep, your brain processes information and your body heals and rejuvenates.
Flint said:
Think about it this way: insufficient sleep can shorten your lifespan and affect health. During sleep, your brain processes information and your body heals and rejuvenates.
That’s a persuasive way to put it. I hadn’t considered the long-term health impacts.
Is there really a need for more than 8 hours of sleep?
Frankie said:
Is there really a need for more than 8 hours of sleep?
Honestly, sometimes it feels unnecessary, but maybe my body disagrees.
I prioritize waking life over sleeping because I find joy and fulfillment in my daily activities, managing fine on 6-7 hours of sleep.
Tatum said:
I prioritize waking life over sleeping because I find joy and fulfillment in my daily activities, managing fine on 6-7 hours of sleep.
I resonate with this a lot. I’m 18 and feel the same way, but sometimes wonder if I’m missing out on benefits of more sleep.
@Fin
I’ve felt this way since I was your age, and it’s served me well. Just ensure it doesn’t compromise your health.
What’s your reason for needing more than 8 hours? Most adults don’t need much more unless there are underlying health issues.
Quinn said:
What’s your reason for needing more than 8 hours? Most adults don’t need much more unless there are underlying health issues.
Individual needs vary. Some might need up to 9 hours, but it’s true that needing 10 or more could indicate a problem.
Eight hours is usually sufficient. If you’re waking up with headaches or feeling unrefreshed after 8 hours, it’s worth checking for conditions like sleep apnea or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS).