How much sleep do you consider adequate to function properly, personally?

1. 77

   Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years ago

   How much sleep do you consider adequate to function properly, personally?
   
   The conversation about sleeping has been popping up a lot recently. Fellow hubbers and I have been joking about the idea of never going to bed. What is adequate sleep, for you?
   
   

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2. 88

   Faith Reaperposted 11 years ago

   Well, I can function and get by with about three hours of sleep.  However, "they", whomever "they" are, say at least eight, and now studies are saying even nine hours of sleep is so important to get to that deep state of rest for one's mind and body to function properly.  I know those who suffer with insomnia are really in harms' way, as if it goes on for too long, then it could actually make one psychotic! Yikes!!!  Good question, and would make a good hub too !!!
   
   Have a great day girl!

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      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Three hours? Wow, that avatar of yours is certainly fitting!   Three hours is a fairly common amount for me, but I usually feel guilty about it and would like at least four. How do you do it, lady? So bubbly and supportive, yet such little sleep!

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   2. 88

      Faith Reaperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, I go to bed at a normal time nowadays, I was just saying that I can get by on 3 hours if need be!  When my children were young, working full-time and going to college at night, I would stay up until the wee hours of the morning to study.

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   3. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well, nonetheless, you must function quite well either way. I see you early and later and you're always wondrously pleasant. Working, studying, kids... us woman are fabulous creatures... but you, even more so :-)

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   4. 88

      Faith Reaperposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are right, woman are awesome, especially at doing it all, and doing it well like you do!

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   5. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      See why I love this lady?

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      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You know I much I love ya. Today the in-laws are all here and a special nephew walks with cap and gown. We celebrate a Vietnamese boy getting a Masters in the US of A. What war?!! How much sleep does one need to be riding on the happy ship of life?.

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   7. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you're talking to me, but if you're not; I'll still tell you how much I love ya! What a wonderful day this is! Please extend my congratulations! Very little sleep is needed for such ocassions as you are riding on a wave of happiness!

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      fpherj48posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Faith.....Never fear, honey!   I got ya covered.  I'm sure I sleep enough for YOU and me!!

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3. 48

   Ericdierkerposted 11 years ago

   OMG I just love to see a question from a Epi  curean. It means you are well and life gives you time to think on inpotent madders.
   
   Sleep is a majical treat. Gandijii (you may know him as Ghandi) quoted a Dali Lama on the matter. So that is pretty good authority. And I think a Pope about 30 years ago spoke to this as well.
   
   Sleep is the finest meditation of all. It is relaxed breathing, calm, and allows that pea brain to wander, or is that wonder?
   
   Honey good child, you can never get too much sleep. But for me about 5 hours and then a nap during the day. But I am so old, that when they ask who is buried in Grant's tomb, I only say, who knows, I just built it.

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      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Mornin’ Eric! Thank you for saving me from having to Google a word
      What a colorful answer and some excellent points! I have to say I’m impressed that you function as well as you do on just five hours of sleep! And ha ha funny; but you’re not old y

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4. 66

   shanmarieposted 11 years ago

   Dearest Cat, I am a night owl by nature and alwyas have been!  The rest of the world lives by day, unfortunately.  If I sleep 3-4 hours, I wake up feeling wide awake and ready to go...more than that but less than 8 or 9, and I feel tired still.  Sometimes, I can sleepl about 3-4 at night and catch a nap sometime throughout the day, but with children, that doenst happen often.

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hey, there you are, I thought you were sleeping you nocturnal girl, you!
      I can relate to the 3-4 hours, but wide awake and ready to go... not so much ;-) I just starting napping after I convinced myself it wasn't just for infants and the elderly!

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   2. 66

      shanmarieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Nocturnal, yes, but the rest of the world demands day time semi-alertness as well. Hehe.

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   3. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ha ha... I meant to thank you earlier but exceeded the character limit; thanks for the lovely spinach contribution

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      shanmarieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome. D: 

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   I'm the type that requires 8 hours especially as I get older. When I was a younger man, I could function on much less. In which was not healthy at all I'm sure.

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You probably have the most responsible answer so far and I commend you. I think I need to find some middle ground myself... I'd like to live long enough to regret my poor sleeping habits!

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much. I surely hope so as well.

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   3. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you JThomp42, I'll certianly try to work on that!

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      fpherj48posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Cat...I can confirm for you.  If you live LONG ENOUGH, you won't remember what your sleeping habits used to be!!   Just believe me!...Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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   5. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ha ha ha... I'll make a note of that, thank you!
      I don't remember yesterday ;-)
      Who even asked this question anyway?

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      fpherj48posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Some chick that obviously needs more sleep!

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6. 69

   Theater girlposted 11 years ago

   I am good with about five hours. Otherwise I start walking into walls! Luckily, I am able to get that most nights. You have to be on your toes around the little ones that I teach! otherwise they abosilutely start pointing out the dark circles under my eyes!

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Another 5 hours; I’m noticing a common theme here. Please make sure to get those 5 hours in, as I’d hate to see you walking into walls or with dark circles, which you could get from both, lack of sleep or walking into walls  and we need you here!

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      Theater girlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Cat you are truly so sweet, thanks!

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      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Eh, don't mention it, besides... you are too

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   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   Well, Cat.....good question.....Years ago, somehow, I existed (and hopefully, functioned) on very little sleep.  Not a choice, but a necessity.   BAWK!   Now, I get as much sleep as possible, to include "naps."   I don't honestly know if I NEED as much sleep as I get, but I can confirm this much:  It feels good and I like it!!   Who would have thought that sleep could be such a wonderful, beneficial thing?
   The truth is, I never thought mothers ever slept at all!   Oh, but Grandmas do!! LOL..........

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      BAWK, ha ha! That’s something crazy old birds say, and you are not a crazy old bird!
      I just started flirting with napping, it felt awkward at first, but yes, there is definitely some pleasure involved. Grandmothers have more than earned it!

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      fpherj48posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh...but Cat, my dear NEW friend.  Thou does not KNOW the infamous EFFER, as well as some of our fellow hubbers do.  They will confirm that I AM precisely "a crazy old bird!!"  ask, bil, sunshine, Tillie, Nell Rose, Suzie HQ, ...Oh the list is long!

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   3. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ha ha! I guess I'll have to take your word for it and maybe even track down some of those listed, but the old part... I'm having a hard time buying and the crazy? Well, I guess that means we play at the same park?

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   agapsikapposted 11 years ago

   Maximum of 7 hours, minimum of 5. Need to be awake at least an hour or two before my kids.. and stay awake 'til an hour or two after kids have gone to bed. Making sure five kids were all sleeping before I'll go to sleep. I really need a good night sleep so I can be able to manage my time equally on the following day. Or else, brain will hung-up.

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Max. 7? You won’t even consider the minimum advised by experts? I think a minimum of five is fair. Five hours and I don’t feel guilty about staying up late. I can relate to the afterhours, but I can’t say I’m always up much before my kids.

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   2. 60

      agapsikapposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That, because I have a 1year-old baby. I can't even stay longer than an hour on my computer table. Am raising four boys and an only daughter. Yes, imagine the daily routine. whew!

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      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well something tells me you could get a mother of the year award!

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      agapsikapposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Aaaww... ;D from Cantuhearmescream Award? Thank you, that would be lovely.

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   5. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ha ha... I'll take whatever I can get ... but I'll pay it forward too!

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      agapsikapposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Haha.. that is so sweet.

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9. 81

   Relationshipcposted 11 years ago

   I have never been able to function on less than nine hours sleep. My sleep has always been very important to me - in part because I love dreaming.
   
   When I was a teenager I would sleep 12-15 hours to my mom's horror. When I first moved out, I pretty much did the same thing (I worked evenings and would usually sleep from 2am to 12pm. Now, I usually go to sleep at around 11pm and I do not open my eyes until 8:30 on the dot...no matter how hard I try to get up earlier!
   
   Also, if I am forced to get up by an alarm or someone telling me to get up, I get downright cranky.

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   1. 77

      Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh my word, 9 hours?! Wow, that’s awesome… other than my teenage nieces and nephews; I don’t who else commits that much time to sleeping! Sleep is important and dreaming can be awesome. You’re cool, so you must be doin’ something right . Cranky U?

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    Man of Strengthposted 11 years ago

    I can function well on six hours of quality sleep. Quality being the key word. Being able to get up refreshed, without needing that beloved cup of Joe. You can get by on three to four hours but you'll find yourself nodding or looking for a nice corner to curl up in.

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    1. 77

       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       There is definitely a difference in good/bad quality of sleep. Luckily, when I sleep, I sleep, but I know others who lay in bed for hours and don't get more than a couple good quality hours of sleep. Yes... the nice corner to curl up in

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    lburmasterposted 11 years ago

    Personally, 7 hours. Anything over is a little fuzzy in the morning, anything under and I'm not there for the rest of the day. Just want to sleep. It's best when I go to sleep around midnight and wake up around 7.

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    1. 77

       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Isn't it funny how "too much" sleep can sometimes be ineffective too? Seven hours seems pretty fair and so does your schedule. I might be able to do that once in a while, but I get anxious if I feel that I'm going to bed 'early'. "What am I missing?"

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    2. 73

       lburmasterposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Entirely agree. I've always been a night owl. For some reason, I'm most creative and productive right before sleep. At least you keep moving

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       As much as I fear 'missing something' or 'losing time', I have to say; well-rested does make the brain function a little more smoothly

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    Abby Campbellposted 11 years ago

    Are you writing a poem on this, Cat? Hehe! Well, I believe a person needs anywhere between 7 to 10 hours per night. Personally, I get about 7 hours and feel great. But, there are nights when hormones (not HubPages) affects me and I can only sleep about 4 hours. LOL. But, I had to let HubPages go at night because my husband was able to kick me out.

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    1. 77

       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hey, you know what? You just gave me an idea! I might just have to subject the people of HP with another nonsense rhyme   7 hours would be nice, I don't know if I could stick with it, but I'm sure I'd feel a difference. 4 hours is a big dip from 7!

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    2. 71

       Abby Campbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Can't wait for your new rhyme and riddle, Cat!

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    Savio Dawsonposted 11 years ago

    I have slept for two hours, fourteen hours and even had few days with no sleep. I had not witnessed any loss in alertness and therefore, I am a bit lost in answering your question.
    
    So, the only one thing I would say is that, if you are happy doing what you are doing, you would not worry too much about your sleep. Whatever the duration, it should be good enough to rejuvenate you.

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    1. 77

       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       two or fourteen, each quite amazing I certainly appreciate your theory. I suppose no one knows our bodies like ourselves and if we need sleep, we'll know. Then I'll keep on keepin' on! Thanks!

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14. 59

    Kevin Peterposted 11 years ago

    8 hours of sleep is required for an adult. Warm milk with honey or valerian could help you get a good sleep. Relaxation is the main way to get to sleep. A comfortable room including the right bed and room temperature is recommended for a wonderful sleep.

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    1. 77

       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I love the tips... though my problem isn't falling asleep... it's never going to bed. I might just try your suggestions though, at least once. Thanks

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    Awesome Bodyposted 11 years ago

    6 to 8 hrs depending on what you do in the day. A sportsmen or a bodybuilder will need more sleep in order to recover, a person doing a less physically challenging job will need less.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That makes sense. But doesn't a lack of physical activity sometimes lead to sleepiness?

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       Awesome Bodyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Lack of exercise will lead in sleep deprivation which will leave you without energy to do anything the next day which will in turn make you feel sleepy.
       Sleep is important and lack of it will result in unbalanced system and there are side effects.

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    Dannytaylor02posted 10 years ago

    Apparently we only need around 4 hours of sleep to regenerate our physical bodies. After that deep sleep mode we get Rapid eye movement sleep which helps us to meditate on what we have learned in the day and thats when we dream.
    
    Personally i prefer 8 - 9 hours but i never get it! :*(

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