For that last 15 years before retirement, I slept 6 -6.5 hours per weekday night, but made up the loss of sleep on the weekends, sleeping as long as I wanted, usually 10-12 hours. (I retired 2 years ago and sleep 9-12 hours unless my alarm is set for an early event). I am not sure how healthy these long hours are. In young adulthood I would set my alarm for 8 hours and always felt refreshed.
Very interesting and useful article. I'd only like to make two points.
a) Those who said Churchill slept four hours are wrong. He slept six every night and napped two more during the day. In fact, he attributed his success in the fact he took naps (he even had a bed installed to take naps while in Parliament).
b) Speaking of Churchill's naps, do they count towards that needed 7-8 hours of sleep?
Naps are quite common in my country Greece and other Mediterranean countries. These countries have generally good life expectancies. Do naps help towards that goal?
You are correct, Churchill was indeed a napper. Day time naps can be a valuable tool but need to be either short ~25 mins or longer 90mins. It's ideal to get all the sleep in one go but naps can be a valuable tool. We also have to consider cultural factors also. It's all about living the life that suits best that doesn't increase your risk.
For that last 15 years before retirement, I slept 6 -6.5 hours per weekday night, but made up the loss of sleep on the weekends, sleeping as long as I wanted, usually 10-12 hours. (I retired 2 years ago and sleep 9-12 hours unless my alarm is set for an early event). I am not sure how healthy these long hours are. In young adulthood I would set my alarm for 8 hours and always felt refreshed.
I think as long as you are sleeping between 7-9 hours per night and feeling like you are getting 'what you need' you should be fine.
Thank you.
Very interesting and useful article. I'd only like to make two points.
a) Those who said Churchill slept four hours are wrong. He slept six every night and napped two more during the day. In fact, he attributed his success in the fact he took naps (he even had a bed installed to take naps while in Parliament).
b) Speaking of Churchill's naps, do they count towards that needed 7-8 hours of sleep?
Naps are quite common in my country Greece and other Mediterranean countries. These countries have generally good life expectancies. Do naps help towards that goal?
You are correct, Churchill was indeed a napper. Day time naps can be a valuable tool but need to be either short ~25 mins or longer 90mins. It's ideal to get all the sleep in one go but naps can be a valuable tool. We also have to consider cultural factors also. It's all about living the life that suits best that doesn't increase your risk.
Very interesting indeed. Thank you.