Did you know that getting less sleep could actually make you feel more energized? It seems counterintuitive but science has proven that it’s true. If you’re like most people, you probably look forward to hitting the hay as soon as possible after a long day at work. You probably think that getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night is the best way to recharge your batteries and get ready for another day of work. In this post, we will help understand why some people require more rest than others and how that can positively impact your life.
Why Do We Feel More Energized With Less Sleep?
There are many reasons why some people experience greater levels of energy with less sleep. Yet most of these reasons are still poorly understood. There are a few theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon. One of them is the “relative-rest hypothesis” which suggests that people who get less sleep but still get enough to function as efficiently as an average person do may simply have different needs. Here are the reasons why:
We’re Just Tired
If you’re feeling drained and exhausted, getting less sleep is probably to blame. Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling stressed, moody, and unable to concentrate. In rare cases, it can also lead to hallucinations and gastrointestinal problems. In fact, the immediate effects of sleep deprivation are so pronounced that scientists can study them to understand how the brain works. Sleep researchers have discovered that people who are sleep-deprived have higher levels of two hormones that help them feel hungry and crave sugar. In other words, when we’re tired, our bodies crave quick energy sources like sugar. As a result, we’re more likely to crave sugary, unhealthy foods—even though they don’t actually help us feel any better.
Exercise Helps
Getting more exercise is a good idea for several reasons. It can help us lose weight, lower blood pressure, improve our mood, and increase our energy level. It can also improve sleep quality by helping us fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. The effects of exercise on sleep may be related to the release of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In fact, one small study found that people who exercised for one hour before bedtime reported falling asleep more quickly and sleeping soundly for longer than people who did not exercise. However, it’s important to note that too much exercise can actually make it harder to sleep—especially if you exercise too close to bedtime or overdo it.
Our Bodies Are Designed To Operate On Less Sleep
Humans have been sleeping for thousands of years. But until recently, we didn’t live very long. On average, our ancestors lived to be about 35 years old. So they might not have needed as much sleep as we do today. A few researchers have suggested that we might be able to lower the recommended amount of sleep needed per night—not by getting by with less sleep, but by shifting our sleep to earlier hours. A few studies have found that when people slept later (like until 11 AM) or earlier (like until 7 AM), they were less alert during the day. They were also more likely to make mistakes, such as missing a turn at work or hitting the wrong key when typing. However, it’s important to note that these studies were mostly done on young, healthy adults. More research is needed to see if these results apply across the board.
A Good Night’s Sleep Can Help Come Morning
Many of us might have heard that napping during the day can make you groggy at night. But the truth is, a short nap of 20 minutes can actually help you feel more alert—especially if you’re sleep-deprived. It can also help you remember what you learned while you were awake. A more sound night’s sleep is also helpful. It can help improve your attention and reaction time, whether you’re at work or driving in traffic. It can also help you feel less stressed and more positive about your day. And getting a good night’s sleep can also help your body heal from any illnesses or injuries you might have.
Daylight Savings Time
The change in seasons can throw off our sleep patterns. When the clocks change, it can be easy to forget to adjust your sleep schedule accordingly. This can lead to feeling groggy and fatigued as the weekend wears on. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make up for these changes, including eating healthier foods, exercising, and using a sleep aid (such as a sleep mask or sound machine). You may also want to consider adjusting your schedule by going to bed a little earlier or sleeping in a little later
How To Feel More Energized With Less Sleep?
Get Enough Light Before Bedtime
Light is essential for our internal circadian rhythm. It also impacts our melatonin production – the sleep hormone that makes us feel tired at night. If we don’t get enough light exposure during the day, we can’t fall asleep. This can result in getting less sleep at night – and feeling more tired the next day. Depending on your geographical location and time of year, you may not get enough natural light. To make up for this, try to make sure you get bright light exposure during the day – and dim light exposure before bedtime. If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid using your phone, computer, or tablet as they emit high levels of blue light which impacts melatonin production. Other ways to get natural light exposure include: Open curtains during the day Going outside during the day Walking near windows during the day Using light bulbs that emit natural light during the day
Take A Shower Or Bath Before Bed
Many people take a shower or bath during their morning routine. While this is great during the day, it can also help you get more sleep at night. By taking a shower or bath before going to bed, you reduce your stress levels and increase your relaxation hormone. This can help you fall asleep faster and stay sleeping longer! Depending on the time of your usual bedtime, try to end your shower or bath about 30 minutes before going to sleep. This will allow you to finish your routine and get ready for bed before you are too tired. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t shower or bathe right before bed if you have trouble falling asleep. This is because the water from your shower or bath will increase your body temperature. And as your body temperature cools down, it will help you fall asleep.
Exercise During The Day
Studies show that people who exercise during the day report feeling less tired than those who exercise at night. This is because exercise releases dopamine – the “feel-good” hormone. And dopamine is crucial for keeping energy levels high. Exercising at night can make you more tired because it increases your body temperature. As your temperature cools down, you may become too tired to get a good night’s rest. Exercising during the day is ideal because it can help you increase your energy levels while boosting your metabolism. It is also important to note that exercising at night doesn’t necessarily make you tired. If you exercise at a time when you are naturally more awake – like in the afternoon – you may stay energized throughout the night.
Eat A Healthy Dinner
When most people think of ways to feel more energized with less sleep, they think of caffeine. However, this isn’t the best way to stay awake. In fact, caffeine can cause you to feel more tired later in the day. Diet is a better way to stay awake and energized throughout the day. For example, you can try eating a healthy dinner. Eating a healthy dinner can help you stay awake and energized because it provides your body with enough nutrients for the day. This includes lots of healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs for energy. If you are eating a snack at night, make sure it’s healthy. A handful of nuts, granola, or dried fruit make for great nighttime snacks. Avoid eating heavy meals at night as they can cause you to feel more tired as you sleep.
Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are a great way to relax your body and reduce stress. This can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Many breathing exercises focus on a single word or sound. By focusing on a word or sound, you can clear your mind and help yourself fall asleep quicker. You can try these breathing exercises to help you fall asleep faster: Deep breathing – Deep breathing allows you to achieve a relaxed state of mind. It also helps you transition from being awake to being asleep. Meditation – Meditation is a great way to help clear your mind. It can help you focus on your breathing – and forget about any worries or stress in your life.
How Much Should You Really Sleep?
- It’s important to note that not everyone needs the same amount of sleep.
- While the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep, there are many people who either need to sleep less or more than that. This is known as individual or “polyphasic sleep” and is scientifically proven.
- A study found that around 20% of the population experience polyphasic sleep.
- However, the degree to which this impacts their sleeping habits varies greatly. Those who get less sleep but still feel energized may be experiencing the benefits of polyphasic sleep.
- One of the reasons why someone might need less sleep than the average adult is because their circadian rhythms (our internal body clocks) are out of sync.
Benefits Of Getting Less Sleep
- Improved Physical Performance: We’ve all heard that more sleep is better for your physical fitness and athletic performance. But what if you could optimize your performance with less sleep? Getting less sleep could actually help improve your physical fitness, so you can get more done during the day without feeling overly tired.
- Better Memory and Cognitive Function: A study found that getting less sleep does more harm than good. However, those who got less sleep but still achieved the same levels of cognition as those who got more sleep were the ones who actually benefited from this study. This means that people who need less sleep to function optimally might actually have stronger cognitive abilities than those who need more sleep.
- Improved Mood: While getting more sleep could help you feel happier, getting less sleep could also help improve your mood. Getting less sleep could actually help relieve stress and improve your overall mood, meaning that you can feel happier with less sleep.
Conclusion
Getting less sleep might not seem like the best solution, but it could actually help you feel more energized in the long run. You can make better sleep habits, improve the quality of your sleep, and even make some lifestyle changes to help yourself feel more energized with less sleep.
