Can you get 8 hours of sleep in just 4 hours?

Has the hustle culture made you feel like sleeping for 6-8 hours is a luxury? You cannot squeeze your 8 hours of sleep in just 4 hours, not unless you live on Miller’s Planet. According to a study (source), work stress can deteriorate your quality of life, and topping that with a lack of sleep is a really bad idea.

A 2018 study published in the Oxford Academic Journal (source) found that sleeping less than the recommended amount of hours was equivalent to aging your grey matter by 8 years. Bottom line? You need to sleep, and it has to be restorative. 

The quality of sleep you get is as important as the quantity of sleep you get. If you have been feeling fatigued and tired even when you get 8 hours of sleep, you are probably not getting enough quality sleep.

What does quality sleep feel like? 

Have you ever experienced social jetlag? It is the disruption of sleep patterns caused due to the` misalignment between your body’s natural sleep rhythm and your social obligations. This disconnect can leave you feeling groggy, unfocused, fatigued, and less productive throughout the day.

Now, contrast that with waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day. That is the power of quality sleep. When your sleep is aligned and restorative, you experience better immunity, faster metabolism, higher productivity, improved efficiency, and a positive mindset.

In fact, a study published in PLOS One (source) found that sleep quality is one of the strongest indicators of overall life quality. According to an Irish Proverb, “a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”

Also read – Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Mattress

How do I get quality sleep?

Setting a nighttime routine is one of the best ways to improve your sleep quality. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the part of your brain that regulates your circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). You need to stay in sync with your internal clock. It is also important to create a conducive environment for you to sleep properly. 

• Avoid any stimulant (eg: anything that contains caffeine) at least 90-120 minutes before bed.
• Ditch your screen 60 minutes before bed.
• A cooler room facilitates deeper sleep.
• Avoid heavy eating before bed.
• Some meditation may help you sleep better.

Your nighttime REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep is very important. This stage is characterized by intense brain activity and metabolic activity. Your brain processes emotions and helps you uncouple emotions from experiences. This stage is important as it gives you spatial information and balances your emotions. This is why both the quality and quantity of your sleep should never be compromised. You cannot fit 8 hours of rest into 4. Do yourself a favor and prioritize good sleep