Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. But what if you don't have the time to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep? Is it possible to get the same amount of rest in fewer hours?The answer is yes, but it's not easy. To get the most out of your sleep, you need to create an environment that is conducive to rest. Keep screens and other distractions out of your bedroom.
Make sure your room is dark and quiet. If you suffer from restless legs syndrome, try to find ways to reduce the itchy and tingling sensation on your skin so you can stay still in bed. If you have to limit your sleep for a few days, you can increase your energy by spending time in sunlight, taking short naps throughout the day, and exercising lightly. Eating protein-rich, energy-boosting foods such as nuts, Greek yogurt, and leafy green vegetables can also help you stay alert during the day. Avoid heavy carbohydrates such as pasta or bread. The myth of “eight hours in three” has been around for a while, but experts warn that it's not a sustainable solution.
Hope Bastine, lead psychologist and sleep expert at Simba Sleep, reveals how lack of sleep means you get viruses more easily. Carolyn Nicholas, sleep expert and training director at Able, says your body can only last a while without getting enough sleep. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each night to maintain good mental and physical health, promote quality of life, and avoid an increased risk of injury. However, some people claim that polyphasic sleep allows them to sleep more efficiently and achieve the same amount of rest in fewer hours. But experts warn that this type of sleep deprivation can have the same negative health consequences as other forms of sleep deprivation. If you need to spend the day sleeping less than four hours, try to make up for it by getting more restful sleep when you can.
Deep sleep is the most important for feeling rested and staying healthy.
