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Less Sleep, But No Ill Effects?

MemphisGirl75
Posts: 80 Member
Just wondering if anyone is having the same issue I am facing now on a daily basis. I average between 6 and 6 1/2 hours of sleep per night during the week, no naps at all since I work 8 am- 5 pm. Saturdays and Sundays I may catch a nap, but it's no more than thirty minutes to an hour. No matter what I do (drink a little alcohol, try Tylenol PM or Unisom, or go to bed earlier), I am unable to get any more sleep than the 6 or so hours. If I do go to bed earlier (say 9:30 instead of 10), I am still up by 4 am.
Does weight loss and exercise affect your sleep patterns? I don't feel tired/sick/exhausted or I would be really worried. It just seems that six to seven hours is more than enough sleep these days, whereas a year ago I had to get a minimum of 8 hours and did better with 9 or 10.
Thanks for any info or comments you might have.

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
Does weight loss and exercise affect your sleep patterns? I don't feel tired/sick/exhausted or I would be really worried. It just seems that six to seven hours is more than enough sleep these days, whereas a year ago I had to get a minimum of 8 hours and did better with 9 or 10.
Thanks for any info or comments you might have.

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
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Replies
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Yes the studies say 8 hours of sleep is ideal. Some people/bodies dont NEED that much. Its also how youve trained your body. As long as you arent feeling run-down or lethargic you should be fine.
I run off alot less sleep now then even a year ago0 -
I've noticed I don't need as much sleep any more. The more active I am, the less tired I am. I can go on 4 hours of sleep and feel great. Any more than 6 hours and all of my muscles become stiff and I hurt all day. I wouldn't worry about it.
Sleep is for the weak!0 -
I generally get about 6 hours (since I hit the meno.) Apparently all the real benefits take place in the first 4 hours so I've stopped worrying.0
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I used to sleep about 8 1/2 hours a day. Now I get about 7 to 7 1/2 hours a day. I don't *feel* worse for it.0
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Ive discovered since changing my eating and exercise habits (12hr of sleep, 4000plus calories a day!)
I sleep alot less...(6-7 hrs)
And have tons of energy!!0 -
Keep in mind this is just anecdotal, but I used to sleep exactly 8 hours a night like a machine. After I started running consistently, my body naturally woke me up after 6 hours feeling extremely refreshed. So like other people have mentioned, it seems that the more active I am the less sleep I need. Counterintuitive to the layman, but there it is.0
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Thanks for bringing up this topic. I was wondering the same thing as I find myself up at 5 a.m. now if I go to sleep at my usual time. I used to sleep 8 hours without fail, but now need a bit less. If I was smart I would take advantage of the pattern and work out real early in the morning. Maybe some day. Anyway, I don't know why, but less sleep also seems to be a side effect of a more active lifestyle.0
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Thanks everyone! I don't feel so alone now. I do take advantage of the early hour, getting my running exercise over with before the sun and the Memphis heat rise up
Running at 7 am with 85 degree temps and 100% humidity is no fun. Rather do it at 4:30 ish and be back before the sun starts to bake us!
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