For some people, 6 hours of sleep or less is enough. The latest research doesn't lie

Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep

Sleep is an exceptionally rewarding topic for researchers. It has already been studied in many ways. Therefore, it is no secret that too little sleep is in most cases harmful to our health. It is also known that both those who sleep too little and those who sleep too long have worse mental health and memory. Too much sleep is considered to be more than 9 hours, and too little sleep is considered to be less than six hours.

But what about people who sleep six hours or less?

The results indicate that some people can cope with less sleep without any noticeable negative impact on their brain.

– says Anders Fjell, a researcher from the University of Oslo.

Two new studies on sleep have been published in The Journal of Neuroscience and Nature Human Behavior.

Short sleep does not harm the brain at all

Scientists have failed to find a link between sleep duration and brain atrophy. A healthy brain correctly assesses the appropriate amount of sleep and has accurate control over how much exactly the body needs. Some people are lucky and can sleep less than others, taking into account brain health of course.

The need for sleep is an individual matter.

Previous studies also brought similar conclusions.

There are “short sleepers” in the population. These are people who do not need as much sleep and function perfectly well, without an increased risk of disease or ailments.

– confirms Bjorn Bjorvatn from the University of Bergen.

The research was based on surveys and MRI brain images. Using the MRI images, researchers were able to determine whether there were any changes in the brain in people who usually sleep six hours or less. They found nothing suspicious that would indicate brain atrophy. Knowing that people tend to exaggerate sleep problems, the researchers also checked participants' survey responses using sensors worn on wristswhich accurately measure sleep duration.

Why is sleep so important?

A number of previous studies have shown that brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are associated with poorer sleep quality. Sleeping less than six hours is generally associated with poor health: risk of anxiety, depression, diabetes, etc. We now know that this is because probably those who sleep less than six hours actually need more sleep.

What worries me most is people who sleep less than six hours because they choose not to sleep. In other words, they prioritize things other than sleep.

– says Bjovartn.

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