TED Talks Daily Do you really need 8 hours of sleep every night? | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter
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Nov 14, 2022 In a world obsessed with sleep metrics, Dr. Jen Gunter debunks the myth that everyone needs eight hours of sleep to thrive. She challenges the societal pressure surrounding sleep routines and highlights how individual needs vary. Listeners will learn about the concept of orthosomnia and practical tips to prioritize well-being over sleep anxiety. Instead of stressing about the perfect sleep, she encourages finding what works best for you!
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Sleep Needs Vary
- Seven to eight hours of sleep is merely an average recommendation for adults, not a strict requirement.
- Individual sleep needs vary, with some thriving on six hours while others require eight.
Sleep Tracker Obsession
- Sleep trackers, while offering interesting data, can lead to an obsession with achieving perfect sleep.
- This obsession, termed orthosomnia, ironically causes further sleep problems.
Focus on Restfulness, Not Hours
- Instead of fixating on sleep duration, focus on how rested you feel during the day and your ability to stay awake.
- Consult a doctor to rule out medical conditions and consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI).