If you thought, like I do, that it was lucky and even okay to get 5 hours of sleep at night, it turns out it is not okay. Actually, the recommended hours of sleep for adults is 7-8 hours.
In fact, researchers say it is actually just like getting no sleep at all.
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After all, chances are you are plugging along every day just like always, right? You get up like you always do, and make it through the day just like you always do. Simple, say researchers. We are in denial when it comes to not getting enough sleep. Apparently, that is how we cope.
How Did This Sleep Study Work?
The study lasted 14 days. During that time, participants were divided into 4 groups. One group slept 8 hours a night, one slept 6 hours nightly, and one that slept only 4 hours at night. They were only allowed to sleep at night - no napping during the day, in other words!
The people in the unlucky 4th group were not allowed to sleep for 3 days.
Researchers tested their cognitive functions every two hours. The group that slept for eight hours performed the highest. And the group that slept for six hours did okay - until day 10 of the two-week study.
How Much Sleep Do We Really Need Every Night?
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), recently issued new sleep recommendations for adults and children. According to NSF, Adults aged 26-64 need to sleep between 7-9 hours every night, while school-aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep every night.
Benefits of Getting 7-9 Hours of Sleep Every Night
Getting enough sleep can help you from getting sick, make periods less painful, and help you lose weight.
We feel better, have more patience, and tend to be much more positive as we make our way through another day. You can check out this list of 15 benefits of getting more sleep.
We feel better, have more patience, and tend to be much more positive as we make our way through another day. You can check out this list of 15 benefits of getting more sleep.