Is it normal to sleep only 4 hours per night?

47% Normal
8 Comments

Ok, So I graduated uni in 2008, when the recession started. I got a job at a very big international fast food chain on their grad scheme.

They used to work me to the bone and I would regularly only get 8 hours between shifts (though the law says 11 minimum) meaning, I would usually get 4-6 hours sleep a night (if some moron didn't call me up because they had run out of salt packets at 3 am)

Earlier this year, I left my job to go back to university. I am studying to be a high school teacher.

I thought without the stress and by having a regular sleeping pattern I would go back to being able to sleep for 8-9 hours a night.

Is it normal that after 4 months I still only get 4 hours a night?

Voting Results
47% Normal
Based on 59 votes (28 yes)
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Comments ( 8 )
  • Jweezee
    12 years ago

    Jesus christ you're hard to get a hold of...........we're out of fuckin straws!!!

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  • karmasAbich
    12 years ago

    Try something called cannabis, it should help you sleep.

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  • Blue_Velvet
    12 years ago

    Not healthy. You need at least 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep. The effects of sleep deprivation and chronic lack of sleep:
    Fatigue, lethargy, and lack of motivation
    Moodiness and irritability
    Reduced creativity and problem-solving skills
    Inability to cope with stress
    Reduced immunity; frequent colds and infections
    Concentration and memory problems
    Weight gain
    Impaired motor skills and increased risk of accidents
    Difficulty making decisions
    Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

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    • shiftyy
      12 years ago

      why do you gain weight?

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  • joybird
    12 years ago

    You developed a habit that you can break. Your doctor may not want to give you sleeping tablets as they're addictive but one gave me really strong antihistimes which were brilliant. I slept for 3 days - so never took another one!

    Try these allergy tablets like Periton that you can buy over the counter.

    Since last year I only sleep every other night and sometimes only for a max of one hour!! It's awful :o(

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    • princesscrapbag
      12 years ago

      Sadly I heard about this before I went to the dr, I sadly now have a high tolerance for antihistamines, I need double the highest recommended dose.

      Success though, I find I can sleep for 4 hours, get up watch some tv/do uni work (for 2 hours) and then sleep for another 4 hours

      thanks for everyones advice
      much appreciated

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  • dom180
    12 years ago

    Some people get a lot less, so count yourself lucky.

    The thing is, I believe that the important part of sleep, REM, is when you get actual recuperation and not just rest. Many people with long-term sleeping difficulties get a similar amount of REM sleep to everyone else because their bodies adapt, so you may not feel more tired.

    One way to correct this is sleeping pills. The pills do not give you REM sleep, so you will wake up every morning feeling terrible. However, they allow your body to get into a rhythm of a normal sleeping pattern, so when you come off the pills you ought maintain a normal sleeping pattern. If you want to try this, be prepared to go through restless hell, and they don't work for everyone.

    It might possibly that you are still stressing sub-conciously about something. Possibly your lack of sleep is what is worrying you, and that is making it worse. A vicious circle. Again, pills may be the best way to correct this.

    If you want to try pills, ask a doctor's opinion first. To be honest, so long as it isn't affecting you I'd carry on as you are. I could do with an extra few waking hours a day.

    Bear in mind that teaching can be a hell of a stressful job as well. If you were planning to switch to something less stressful, teaching probably isn't the best option.

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  • Dazzie
    12 years ago

    Your body got used to only getting 4 hours of sleep. Because you did it for such a long time now your body thinks it's normal. I think it's fine as long as you're well rested and you can start your day perfectly with only 4 hours of sleep. I certainly can't.

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