Do you really know? Is sleeping less than 6 hours a night the equivalent to being drunk?
Jun 16, 2025
Tossing and turning can leave you feeling more than just tired. Discover how sleeping less than six hours can impair your brain as if you've been drinking. The episode dives into fascinating research showing that lack of sleep can lead to cognitive deficits similar to those caused by alcohol. It emphasizes the importance of getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep for peak performance. The comparison of sleep deprivation to intoxication will make you reconsider your nighttime routine!
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Sleep Deprivation Equals Drunkenness
- Sleeping fewer than six hours causes brain function to drop as if legally drunk.
- Cognitive skills like reaction time and decision-making significantly deteriorate, increasing risk.
Sleep Loss Matches Four Glasses
- After two weeks under six hours a night, cognitive decline matches that of intoxication with four glasses of wine.
- Sleep-deprived people often overestimate their abilities, compounding dangers like impaired driving.
Aim for 7-8 Hours Sleep
- Aim for seven to eight hours of nightly sleep to maintain healthy brain function.
- Ensure your sleep cycles include deep and REM stages, typically three to six cycles per night.