This is super interesting, thanks! I’m almost embarrassed that it never occurred to me to question some of these things. Like Elizabeth, I’m not totally sold on all the conclusions right now, but it’s still interesting to think about.
Personal reflection / anecdotal evidence: There are two time periods (~9-12 months each) that I look back on as my happiest and most productive times. During both, I stuck to a strict 10pm–6am sleep schedule, and I felt great (I did sometimes nap if I felt I needed it, I think). However, when not on a strict schedule, I usually sleep between 8.5 and 10.5 hours. I thought that the fact that this is how long I sleep when not woken and not on a schedule meant it’s how long I ‘need’ to sleep, and my behavior has been reinforced/exacerbated by my husband also having high ‘sleep need’.
Having read this, I’m more motivated than ever to try to get back on that strict 8-hour-per-night schedule. I just need actual buy-in from the person who shares my room, which is always the bottleneck, alas.
Also, I have an aunt who has slept 5-6 hours per night for her entire life. She’s not the healthiest person I know but she has at least lived past the age of 60, and she’s super productive.
This is super interesting, thanks! I’m almost embarrassed that it never occurred to me to question some of these things. Like Elizabeth, I’m not totally sold on all the conclusions right now, but it’s still interesting to think about.
Personal reflection / anecdotal evidence: There are two time periods (~9-12 months each) that I look back on as my happiest and most productive times. During both, I stuck to a strict 10pm–6am sleep schedule, and I felt great (I did sometimes nap if I felt I needed it, I think). However, when not on a strict schedule, I usually sleep between 8.5 and 10.5 hours. I thought that the fact that this is how long I sleep when not woken and not on a schedule meant it’s how long I ‘need’ to sleep, and my behavior has been reinforced/exacerbated by my husband also having high ‘sleep need’.
Having read this, I’m more motivated than ever to try to get back on that strict 8-hour-per-night schedule. I just need actual buy-in from the person who shares my room, which is always the bottleneck, alas.
Also, I have an aunt who has slept 5-6 hours per night for her entire life. She’s not the healthiest person I know but she has at least lived past the age of 60, and she’s super productive.