Can you condition yourself to need less sleep?

Question

Is it possible to condition yourself to need less sleep? or will you just suffer from Constant sleep deprivation?

I know its possible to alter the time of your sleep wake cycle, but how about the length?

Answer 1

You can not condition yourself to sleep less, you will only suffer from ongoing sleep deprivation. Recent studies have shown that Americans sleep an average of 7 hours each night rather than the 8 hours recommended by sleep experts.

People who work long hours, those who have a hectic family schedule or a new baby, teens who stay up late and have to get up early for school, and even people whose pets sleep with them may get less sleep than their body needs to be at its best. Over time, this lack of sleep, also called sleep deprivation, can have serious effects on health and relationships. It may even be deadly.

People who don't get enough sleep may lack energy, be depressed or irritable, have trouble remembering everyday things, and get sick more often than people who get enough sleep. They seem to age faster and they may have problems concentrating at work or school. Some scientists believe a lack of sleep may have a role in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even obesity.

Poor sleep also leads to accidents. More than 200,000 auto accidents happen each year because drivers fall asleep at the wheel. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill was at least partially caused by the actions of a tired tanker operator.

Answer 2

I've read articles about studies done on sleep and how most people in the U.S. are sleep deprived. I agree, to some extent but I also believe you can condition yourself to do anything. I've had friends who joined the army and other military branches saying how they lived off 4hrs or less during basic training.

Then again, when they get out of the military they usually don't keep the same lifestyle. You body is suppose to be highly adaptable, so it seems to adapt the conditions you put it under.

I'm kind of envious of people that can operate off of 4-5hrs sleep. I've known a couple people who can do this but I think they are an anomaly. A lot of the U.S. population gets that amount of sleep, but I think if you have to drink coffee midday to stay awake then they are going against what our body is telling them.

Answer 3

It isn't feasible to get by means of without a sleep in any respect - you could end up disoriented and burdened and could finally move out. Sleep deprivation has been used as an robust torture for decades. As some distance as wanting much less sleep is going, every body's sleep requirement is special - Margaret Thatcher it sounds as if might position good on most effective 5 hours a night time. Whatever your private requirement is, you might mostly situation your self with time to might be a few hours much less, however for those who wish to be alert and robust, you particularly have to sleep accurately.

Answer 4

Yes. I took a Silva mind control course when I was 17. and some other courses like that. you can learn to bring your self down to the alpha level which is the dream state. consciously. and stay there for about half an hour. when you sleep you need alpha state. but when you sleep you only get about a Fourth of sleep time in alpha. if you can go to alpha state for half hour.a day.you can train your self to get less sleep. but you must once a week get normal sleep as you need theta which is a state that the brain tells the body to heal itself. its all very complicated to do this so you would have to train your self in a lot of different ways to achieve this what you wont. I cant tell you exactly right now as I would have to think about it and it would probably take book to spell IT out for you. so this is giving you an idea about it all. but you will need to study up on it.and you need of course to be careful. and be precise and not wear yourself out. and do it gradually. I have after years of going to alpha state and practicing can do without sleep for long periods of time. and to not have to sleep as long a time. but it is best to be careful. or you can mess your mind up.with your sleep patterns.take it slow and know what your doing by practicing. it might take a while. It is not an easy thing to accomplish I wish for Y'all a very Merry Christmas.

Answer 5

You can condition yourself to FUNCTION on any amount of sleep, but the human sleep/wake cycle is still 25 hours. (so we're all answering your question every day by having a 24-hour day)

Answer 6

Most people don't get adequate sleep for their
busy schedule. But, sleep deprivation destroys
not only physical health,but also mental health.
More available at http://nosleep.in/sleepdeprivation.html

Answer 7

Yup - it is possible. But, it would take discipline and quite some time in order to cut down from about 8hrs to say, like 4 hours.

Answer 8

yeah it is people dont need as much sleep as they think they do it just takes awhile to get used to I wouldnt sleep less than 6 hours though it can mess with you

Answer 9

To an extent, probably. However, it wouldn't be a significant difference.

Answer 10

yes but it's not good for you