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Questions about sleeping and waterbeds |
How much sleep do we need? Let us start with the
demystification of the statement that everyone needs 8 hours of sleep in order to have a good
night's rest. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sleep research has shown that the need for
sleep averages from person to person between four and eleven hours per night. On average, 10% of
the population are satisfied with roughly 6,5 hours per night, and 15% needs more than 9 hours.
Children usually need more sleep, while elderly people are satisfied with a little less.
Geographical factors play a big role too. People who live in mountains sleep a bit longer, while
people who live by the sea sleep less.
The length and quality of sleep also has an influence on other factors. Despite the fact that some people are well rested with just a little bit of sleep, on a long-term scale there will be consequences for their health. The most remarkable result of lack of sleep is an increase in body weight. These consequences sometimes only appear after a longer period of time. They are mainly caused by a changing hormonal system and metabolism. Spending too much time in bed often leads to an interrupted, superficial sleep. By reducing the time in bed, you can improve your sleep. So, don't go to bed too early because you could be lying awake for a while. Go to bed when you start feeling sleepy not just because the clock says it is bedtime. Sleeping a bit less for one night is not a crime. |