What happens if you regularly only get 3 hours of sleep per night?
I was asked this question on Quora and this was my answer to it. I have reposted it here so it can be helpful if you have such a question in your mind
This is best answered by the person who is posing this question. If the person feels perfectly fine without any impairment, then it may be adequate for THAT person.
Researchers and scientists can only give answers that could be true for the majority of people. But individual cases may differ.
The much used answer would be this
If you are regularly getting only 3 hours of sleep (by choice) you are likely to experience the following:
Impaired decision making
Clouded or fuzzy head
Disorientation
Increased risk of colds and infection
High BP
High Sugar
Decreased life span
Host of other impairments that could even lead to accidents or sudden death
Having said the above, there could be a section of population that can get away with less than average sleep duration.
They are:
Those who are in spiritual life or practices with adequate meditation, mindfull practices, satvic food and stress free lifestyle
Those with a gene mutation that permits them to be completely healthy, energetic and productive even though their sleep duration is much less than the average.
What matters is how your body, mind and emotions feels after one or more bouts of reduced sleep?
Listen to them and adjust your sleep schedule.
Those who reduce their sleep duration because of their FOMO or work/social life schedules pay a heavy price when it is done more than a 5–6 times a month.
Listen to your body and take care of it. We cannot live without this vehicle.
.....End of reply....
I felt compelled to share this here because so many people follow those gurus and successful business owners who are proud of their ability to function with less sleep than what their body and mind may require.
It is not something we should be proud of.
Some people can jump from the 3rd or 4th floor and still survive. Some from even higher floors. But should we try it to see whether we can also survive?
You have this one life and this one body and mind. Take care of it. Don't torture it to fit into your idea of what your lifestyle should be.
The sunrise and sunset does not change for you.
Your body's requirement for the right rest at the right time and for the right duration cannot change for you, without consequences.
Take care. Stay wise and protect your sleep timing, duration and satisfaction. This is the best investment you can ever make.
Love you. May the Force be with you.