The Myth of the Eight-Hour Sleep

Contrary to popular belief, the old eight-hour sleep myth is not accurate. Research shows that most people actually get about six to six and a half hours of sleep per night. Napping is uncommon even in populations without access to technology. The narrative that technology has ruined sleep is not entirely true as even in environments without electricity, people struggle with sleep. The 'sleep industrial complex' profits from creating anxiety around sleep, which in turn leads to increased cortisol levels that hinder sleep. While insufficient sleep is a problem, the widespread notion of an ideal eight-hour sleep cycle is not reflective of reality.