How Do I Determine How Much Sleep I Really Need?

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  • #36984
    NWSleepy
    ✘ Not a client

      I never seem to get enough sleep and when I do it is too much and disruptive to what I want to accomplish that day. Biggest challenges: Falling asleep, staying asleep, getting enough sleep without needing to wake up late morning/early afternoon. My ideal rising time would be 5:00 am but if I can’t fall asleep or stay asleep until between 12 am -2 am, 5 am feels impossible. I’d like to be able to determine how much sleep I actually need and work from there.

      #37042
      Martin Reed
      ★ Admin

        Hello NWSleepy! Are you currently following any kind of sleep schedule? That would probably be a good place to start!

        If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

        The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

        #37296
        NWSleepy
        ✘ Not a client

          Thank you. The past four nights I have turned the lights out at 12midnight and gotten out of bed every morning at 7:30 am. I am very tired during the day but am sticking with it and not napping. I am falling asleep faster but not staying asleep. I have no idea how much sleep I am actually getting. I’m considering trying to record the sound of my breathing as I sleep.

          I feel like I’m trying to exhaust myself into sleeping through the night. I’m considering getting up earlier to speed up the process.
          I am concerned that my day to day remote job is starting to be affected by fatigue and inability to concentrate.

          #37309
          Martin Reed
          ★ Admin

            I’d expect someone who gets roughly seven hours of sleep to be spending roughly seven-and-a-half hours in bed. If you feel that you’re getting less than seven hours of sleep, allotting less time for sleep might be helpful since it will mean less time awake and deeper, more consolidated, and better quality sleep.

            What kind of things are you doing during the day to add enrichment and enjoyment to your life, lower fatigue, and direct attention away from sleep?

            If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Clarity program.

            The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

            #37354
            NWSleepy
            ✘ Not a client

              I keep very active during the day. I’ve been rising at the same time every day for 2 weeks and not taking naps – both are a miracle for me – thanks to Martin’s website and podcast.

              I am in bed at different times but within the same hour of 10-11pm. I have not found that sweet spot where I am getting enough sleep without being in bed for too long. I am exhausted during the day and do struggle to get out of bed with my alarm at 7am – but I do it. I know I would feel more rested if I woke up later or went to bed sooner but I don’t want to sabotage the progress I’ve made building up my sleep drive. These last 2 weeks, when I do sleep, I sleep very deeply.

              Maybe one small change – lights out at 10pm, rather than loosely before 11, for the next two weeks and see if that helps me feel more rested.

              BTW, The CBT-I app created by the veterans administration does all the math for sleep efficiency. I only started using it a week ago and will look at my average in another week.

              This has been a complicated puzzle to work out and I appreciate all of Martin’s experience and how he shares his experience.

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