Sleep

EdgarAllenPoo

This is a question I always ask and I always get different answers.

In relation to your level of tiredness when you wake up is it better to go to bed early and get up early or go to bed late and get up late.

It's recommended that most people get eight hours of sleep a night but is it true that you only really need three to four and what's the best way to combat consistant fatigue while at work(on a twelve hour shift).

TempestSabre

http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.com/stages/

My unscientific opinion is I'd say its best to go to bed tired. You'll sleep best at whatever time if you do. That said I my clock is definately on a late cycle. But if I'm very tired I can go to sleep earler. But if I miss the window where I'm tired it might take me a few hours to get back to it again. I used to need a lot less sleep, but as I get older it catches up with me faster. I also think you have an internal "sleep bank". If you are constantly drawing on it, it eventually runs out.

DrIndy

depends on your circadian rhythm - named after the insect which manages to time its lifecycle perfectly after 7 years as a grub underground to all pupate and mate on the exact same night.

if you reset your circadian clock by staying out late many nights, then it is harder to get up early because your body clock and your hormones such as melatonin and cortisol are high and low respectively in what should be the middle of your sleep period.

Best cure is to ensure a stable circadian rhythm by getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.

also try to maintain good sleep hygeine such as avoiding stimulation like action movies or exciting books prior to sleep and strictly avoid caffeine 6 hours before sleep.

snorlax

you should see the new sleep forum!