How Much Sleep Do We Need?

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I think we have all heard that saying that you can sleep when you are dead.  Well, since dead people do not require sleep, how much sleep do the living need?   Studies found that Millennials sleep almost nine hours per night on average, and that is way more than the previous generations. However, in another article they claim they are the most sleepless generation yet.  Bottom line, it seems that nobody really has the answer to the question on how many hours of sleep we need.  They say that the amount of sleep you need changes as you get older and it is a personal thing—some of us might need more than others.  I know, there is so much to do and so much to see, and we all want to do everything we can in the shortest amount of time. We want to enjoy and get it all in.  Well, relax—we also need to sleep.  There are days I can function on a few hours of sleep, and there are days I feel like I can stay in bed for a few more hours.   I feel that as long as you wake up feeling refreshed and you feel your best, you have slept enough hours.  Bottom line is—the amount of sleep you need is unique to you.  

Truth is that we have all screwed with our body clocks by traveling, working long hours, staying out late, waking in the middle of the night to eat or go on our smartphones, iPads or whatever device you use. Those devices all emit a light that suppresses the production of melatonin which is the main hormone that controls your body’s day and night cycle.  We are living in a society of instant gratification whether you are texting or on social media, and a lot of us can’t get off our devices and take them to bed with us.

If you are not sleeping enough, don’t panic.  The reality is that most people manage to get by just fine on less sleep from time to time, and if you have one of those nights when you do not get enough sleep, try not to worry about the next day being a shit show because this will probably only keep you awake longer.  

Here are some things you can do that will help you sleep better.  Exercise a few hours before bed.  I know when I take my friend’s spin class, I sleep like a baby on those nights.  If you are caffeine sensitive, cut caffeine after 2pm.  If you do not want to exercise, take time to wind down before you go to bed by doing things that are relaxing to you, or listen to relaxing music. Eliminate the light from your room, and turn off the TV and your devices.  Distract your imagination.  Visualization can help focus your imagination away from distracting or negative thoughts.  Another thing that might be helpful is using aromatherapy that can help with calmness and serenity.   You can use a lavender scented mist spray on your pillow to have a calm peaceful sleep.  

So whatever you do to help you sleep and however many hours you sleep, as the day turns into night, I wish you all sweet dreams my friends because in dreams there are No Impossibilities.