Saturday, January 30, 2010

How Much Sleep Do I Need?

UCLA researcher Jerry Siegel addressed this common question earlier in the week.

What’s the answer? One sleep size doesn’t fit all.

“Some people naturally sleep six hours,” he wrote. “And others naturally sleep eight hours.”

The better question is: Do you get enough sleep to remain alert and attentive during the day? And are you able to go to sleep and wake up without using alcohol, caffeine or other drugs?

If so, then you’re probably getting enough sleep.

But he warns that persistent daytime sleepiness is one sign that you may have a
sleep disorder. And you should talk to a doctor if you have loud and frequent snoring. This is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Last year an
editorial by Siegel explored the nature and role of sleep.

Get help for an ongoing sleep problem at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.
Image by Josh Hunter

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