How realistic is getting 8 hours of sleep?

I ask this question because when I do sleep for 8 hours, I always feel fatigued when I wake up. I don't get it. I've been told; since a child, that you have to get 8 hours of sleep in order to function properly. I don't have that testimony.

For me, half of that time works just fine. I can literally take a three hour nap and feel just fine. Cat naps refresh me as well.
However, when I sleep for five or more hours, I always wake up feeling fatigued.

Throughout the day, I want to sleep. After I eat, I feel even more sluggish. I believe this may have something to do with my iron deficiency and my water and food intake, but what are some tips I can use to turn this around?

 

I do not have tips to share right now, probably later. I was actually attracted by the title but was pleasantly surprised when I eventually got to read through the post.

And here's why, I have been having challenge with time management of recent, so i actually thought your post was a question on the possibility of sleeping for 8 straight hours. I've not had that luxury for a while now, just like you, it's only been a maximum of 4 or sometimes 5hours of rest.

 

I too have that same issue. If I sleep for 8 hours straight, you better believe I was exhausted. Yet, even in that case, I never feel satisfied. This is where my dilemma lies. I am not one who has to sleep all night, but I do like to sleep and when I wake up, I want to feel rested. If you do find some tips, please let me know. In the meantime, thank you for responding. Maybe we can work on some tips for better time management as well.

 

I don't agree with the rigid one-size-fits-all approach of "you must get 8 hours sleep every night." Each of us is different, and our bodies have different requirements. However, I do think 4 hours is probably not enough. Some of the thinks I know of that help sleep are a dark, quiet room; going to bed and getting up at regular times; and not eating late at night.

 

Hello. One major culprit in insomnia and poor sleep quality is the cell phone or laptop screen. It emits a blue light that halts production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for healthy sleep cycles. There are apps out now that filter the blue out. If you just can't seem to put the phone down, at least use a filter in the evening hours before bed.

 

Hi. I also have an issue with this 'sleeping eight hours' theory. The person who suggested is not probably a part of this era of working to late hours and getting up very early to work.

I totally disagree with this set of hours because I believe that it is the quality of my sleep that matters and not the quantity of sleep.

 

Hi. I thought I was the only one with this problem, just joking. I agree with you Lynn and Abigael, that we all are different and maybe our clocks are wired differently, who knows.

Set hours don't work for me as well and quality is more important than quantity. For some reason morning time is the worst part of my day, maybe I am not a morning person but I also feel sluggish and fatigued.

I have to agree with you Elizabeth because I am on my computer most of the day, maybe I will find an app that will help with filtering the blue light out.