6 hours of sleep: how to get a better night's rest

6 hours of sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. However, in today's fast-paced world, getting enough sleep can be a challenge. Many of us struggle to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and some even think that sleeping less than 6 hours a night is normal.

But the truth is, getting only 6 hours of sleep can have detrimental effects on our health and daily productivity.

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How to get 6 hours of sleep

The good news is that there are things you can do to ensure you get a better night's rest. Here are some tips:

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make your bedroom as comfortable and quiet as possible. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet to create a calming and relaxing environment. Consider investing in a comfortable mattress, pillows, and sheets that will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Avoid electronics before bedtime: The blue light emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Try to avoid using electronics at least an hour before bedtime, or consider using blue light-blocking glasses to minimize the effects of blue light.

Engage in relaxing activities such as taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or yoga (Andrea Piacquadio/ Pexels)

Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Caffeine and alcohol are known to disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours before bedtime.

Relax before bedtime: Engage in relaxing activities such as taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or yoga, or reading a book to help you wind down before bedtime. Relaxing activities can help reduce stress and promote a restful night's sleep.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it can make it harder to fall asleep.

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Is 6 hours of sleep enough?

The recommended amount of sleep per night for adults is typically between 7 and 9 hours per night, and some people may require more or less sleep than others.

While some people may function well on just 6 hours of sleep, others may experience negative consequences such as daytime sleepiness, decreased cognitive performance, and an increased risk of health problems.

Additionally, individuals with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush/ Pexels)

Additionally, individuals with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea may require more sleep to compensate for the poor quality of sleep they receive.

In general, it's important to prioritize getting enough sleep each night to support overall health and well-being. If you consistently find yourself struggling to function with 6 hours of sleep, it may be worth exploring ways to adjust your sleep habits to get more restful and restorative sleep.