Sleep Needs and Quality of Life
Sleep needs vary from person to person, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, many people find that six hours of sleep is enough to feel rested and energized throughout the day.
The quality of sleep is also an important factor. Even if you get 8 hours of sleep, if it is not restful or disturbed by frequent interruptions, you may not feel as well-rested as you would with 6 hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep.
Sleep Cycles and Sleep Debt
Another possible reason why some people may feel better with 6 hours of sleep instead of 8 is that their sleep cycle is shorter. A sleep cycle, also known as a circadian rhythm, is the natural pattern of sleeping and waking that our bodies follow. Each sleep cycle is typically 90 minutes long, and the average person needs 4-5 sleep cycles per night to be fully rested.
If a person's sleep cycle is shorter than 90 minutes, they can still reach their full sleep potential in 6 hours, whereas 8 hours may leave them feeling sleep-deprived. This is known as “sleep debt”, and can lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Sleep Quality and Stress Levels
Lastly, people may feel better with 6 hours of sleep instead of 8 because of the quality of their sleep. Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on sleep quality, and people who are feeling stressed may be more likely to wake up frequently during the night. This can lead to feeling worse after 8 hours of sleep than after 6 hours of sleep.
Additionally, people may be more likely to feel rested after 6 hours of sleep if they have good sleep hygiene habits, such as avoiding screens before bed, having a consistent sleep schedule, and exercising regularly.
In conclusion, there are several possible reasons why some people may feel better with 6 hours of sleep instead of 8. These include their sleep cycle, sleep debt, and sleep quality. It is important to experiment with different amounts of sleep to find out what works best for you.