The last two nights I’ve gotten 10 hours of sleep each night, and it’s been fabulous. All day I’ve had lots of energy, a sharp mind, and a sense of humor. All those things a person gets from being well-rested. A quote by Ovid comes to mind “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
A friend asked is it normal to sleep 10 hours? Here’s my answer.
Given how 47% of Americans get less than the recommended amount of sleep each night, it is thought that many people have an accumulated sleep debt. (One expert is said to have estimated the average American has a 50 hour sleep debt). So sleeping longer once in a while will help.
However, some people are considered “long sleepers.” These are folks who sleep 10 to 12 hours for at least seven nights in a row. This typically begins in childhood, and over their life they consistently need more than the typical amount of sleep. Their sleep architecture and stages are normal, and there are no other signs of disorder. About1.5% of women and 2% of men are long sleepers. These folks tend to be slightly anxious or depressed. It is thought that these people are on the high end of the normal continuum of sleep needs.
If you are one of the people who have a chronic sleep debt, or are a long sleeper, either way, get ready for the new year by getting the sleep you need – it will make all the difference!
Dr. Catherine Darley is a naturopathic physician who specializes exclusively in the treatment of sleep disorders using natural medicine. Learn more at www.naturalsleepmedicine.net.