Can you ever catch up on your sleep?
A: Like all debt, with some work, sleep debt can be repaid, but it doesn’t happen in one extended snooze marathon. Adding an extra hour or two of sleep a night is the way to catch up. Some of our most refreshing sleep occurs during deep sleep.
How much REM sleep is needed per 8-hour period of sleep?
There is no specific amount but it is needed. REM sleep is important because it is the restorative part of our sleep cycle. Typically, you begin the sleep cycle with a period of non-REM sleep followed by a very short period of REM sleep. While dreams can occur in other deep sleep stages, most dreams occur during REM sleep.
Is 5 hrs a night 5 days a week enough?
While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Children and teens need even more. And despite the notion that our sleep needs decrease with age, most older people still need at least 7 hours of sleep.
Is there a relationship between Alzheimer’s and poor sleep habits?
In a small study, losing just one night of sleep led to an increase in beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain associated with impaired brain function and Alzheimer’s disease. The results suggest that sleep deprivation may increase the risk for beta-amyloid build-up. More research is needed, however.
I work swings shifts and long hours. After 21 years, I still haven’t gotten my sleep pattern together. This last year I have been extremely tired. What can I do? If I get 2 hours of sleep at a time, it’s a miracle. That’s how bad it has gotten.
Avoid frequently rotating shifts. If you can’t, it’s easier to adjust to a schedule that rotates from day shift to evening to night rather than the reverse order. Try to avoid long commutes that take time away from sleeping. Keep your workplace brightly lighted to promote alertness.
Dr. Rani Whitfield – also known as “Tha Hip Hop Doc” — is a board-certified family physician with a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine. He’s currently in private practice in his native Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Appearing on BET, CNN, MSNBC, and a host of syndicated shows, Dr. Whitfield is no stranger to the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He’s also a new dad!
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