Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Umar
Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, with adults typically needing 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night
. However, some individuals claim to survive on just 2 hours of sleep a night.
This comprehensive guide explores personal experiences, research, and statistics to determine whether it’s possible to thrive on such minimal sleep.
Personal Experiences
On Physics Forums, a user shared an article suggesting that it’s possible to survive on 2 hours of sleep a day by taking a 20-minute nap every four hours
. However, the user did not provide any personal experience or evidence to support this claim.
Research and Statistics
According to Healthline, sleeping for 1 to 2 hours can decrease sleep pressure and make you feel less tired in the morning than staying up all night.
However, regularly getting less than 6 hours of sleep increases your risk of falling asleep at the wheel and negatively impacts various aspects of your health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a weakened immune system, obesity, depression or anxiety, diabetes, low sex drive, infertility, and heart disease.
In a study conducted by the University of Washington, high school students who had their school start times delayed by 55 minutes experienced a significant improvement in sleep duration, increasing their median sleep time from 6 hours and 50 minutes to 7 hours and 24 minutes.
This study highlights the importance of adequate sleep for adolescents and the potential consequences of disrupted circadian rhythms on digestion, heart rate, body temperature, immune system function, attention span, and mental health.
Famous geniuses like Albert Einstein were known to prioritize sleep, with Einstein reportedly sleeping for 10 hours every night and taking daytime naps. This suggests that even highly productive individuals recognize the importance of sufficient sleep for optimal cognitive functioning.
Conclusion
While some people claim to survive on just 2 hours of sleep a night, research and statistics indicate that consistently getting less than the recommended amount of sleep can have serious consequences for one’s health and well-being.
It’s crucial to prioritize sleep and aim for at least 7 to 8 hours per night for adults to maintain optimal physical and mental health.
Helpful Resources
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber
- https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-to-survive-on-2-hours-of-sleep-a-day.208983/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/is-2-hours-of-sleep-better-than-no-sleep
- https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/12/12/high-school-start-times-study/
- https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-geniuses-sleep/