How much sleep do we really need to work productively?

Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by Xcelerate on Monday April 01, 2013 @12:27PM (#5474057)

You know how there's people that can get by on 4-5 hours of sleep each night? I think I'm the opposite. Left to my own devices, I will sleep 10-10.5 hours a day. If I wake up with anything less than 9, I feel pretty horrible. Not sure why, but I sure wish I could get by on less.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by Aylw on Monday April 01, 2013 @01:05PM (#5474353)

I thought I was the same way for a long time, but for me the kicker was 'left to my own devices' - I NEVER had anywhere near 8 hours consistently, so on the weekends, I would crash for more than 10 hours at least. My conclusion was that I needed more than 9 hours a day.

Then I went on a year long vacation - and after the first couple months of sleeping over 10 hours naturally - my body finally caught up with its sleep debt, and I was sleeping about 8 hours a day. I was amazed. Turns out I was just sleep deprived. Of course, I do know people who consistently get 9.5 hours day, so your mileage may vary. Just something to think about in this sleep deprived world.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by jholman on Monday April 01, 2013 @12:57PM (#5474294)

Very similar here, although it's decreasing as I age. In my twenties I needed 9.5-10 hours per night to feel optimally sharp and focused; 10 years later my requirement seems to be down around 9 hours.

Although, like most hot-air-pushers in these sleep threads, I never tried objective measurements of performance under different circumstances. Maybe I just _feel_ like shit, but actually perform well, with less than 9 hours of sleep.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by mpyne on Monday April 01, 2013 @12:30PM (#5474082)

My sleep-wake cycle falls to 10-20 hours if I can let it, for some reason.

This of course spells disaster for my normal work week. I still haven't gotten used to 24 hour days.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by mgla on Monday April 01, 2013 @02:18PM (#5474859)

Have you considered the possibility that you're suffering from sleep apnea?

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by Xcelerate on Monday April 01, 2013 @04:24PM (#5475650)

I don't think I am. I'm in shape (was D1 runner) and 22. Who knows though.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by Afton on Monday April 01, 2013 @05:26PM (#5476019)

While excess weight is an contributing cause, lots of underweight and normal weight people have sleep apnea. Much of it is just based on your jaw morphology.

Source: I am typically underweight, and I have sleep apnea.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by TallGuyShort on Monday April 01, 2013 @05:51PM (#5476195)

I've known people who have had it, and were in their twenties and in excellent physical shape.

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Re:How much sleep do we really need to work productively? by Xcelerate on Monday April 01, 2013 @07:10PM (#5476548)

Hmm. Thanks. I will look into it then.

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