subject: Can You Train Yourself to Need Less Sleep? The Case For "Yes" [print this page] Can You Train Yourself to Need Less Sleep? The Case For "Yes"
The same 24 hours feel more like 18. People want more hours in the day. The only thing they feel they can give up is sleep. The question is, "Can you really train yourself to safely need less sleep?"
Many experts claim it's dangerous to train yourself to sleep less than 7 - 8 hours per night. They cite the body's need for restorative rest. The brain especially appears to need 7 -8 hours of slow brain wave activity to "reset" itself after a day of wakefulness.
There are others who claim you can train yourself to need less sleep, if you do it gradually. If you usually sleep 8 hours a night, decrease your sleep to 7.5 hours. Be consistent with the number of hours. Stay there for about two weeks, and then decrease another half hour. Many claim they can get down to 6 hours of nightly rest without ill effects.
It's important to note, the anecdotal evidence says this regimen works only if you are already resting deeply. People who are insomniacs and toss and turn at night won't benefit from this program.
In addition, you need to keep your hours consistent. Go to bed and get up the same time every day and night no matter what day of the week it is. Lessening your hours gradually allows the body, including the brain, to adjust to the new hours of repose. Doing this only on weeknights is counter-productive.
Those who meditate consistently report needing fewer hours of slumber. The time spent in deep meditation can slow the brain waves to a deep restful theta state. The body and brain receive the restorative down time needed lessening the amount of time a person needs to spend in bed.
Hypnotherapy can have similar results as meditation. When you enter a trance state, your brain waves slow down. The brain and body enter a place of deep relaxation.
Those who eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and are excited about life and their role in it, also report being able to function in an alert and healthy manner for more hours during the day.
In summary, the body's need for sleep appears to depend upon several factors. One is the mental attitude and verve for life of the individual. Taking care of the body through a healthy diet and appropriate exercise also lessens the need for restorative rest. Lastly, activities such as meditation and hypnosis which slow the brain waves provide the necessary respite from the stresses of the day allowing for more hours of wakefulness.
Cathy Chapman, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker assisting people achieve their dreams of health, wealth and abundance through Mind-Body Psychology. She works from a spiritual and energetic model employing BodyTalk and Psych-K to balance the body and change beliefs. Go tohttp://www.CathysAffirmationBookmarks.com to view further affirmation tools.
