Introduction:
The time and pattern of sleep has often been a topic of much debate according to Outsource Market Research India Company Market Quotient. A lot has been said and written about it. A LOT. But most of it is hearsay.
There are a number of superstitions with regards to sleep. Locals living in Indian villages believe that sleeping under a Peepal tree at night leads to death. These trees are apparently haunted by ghosts and spirits. It is true that it’s unhealthy to sleep under a tree at night. This is because plants take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide at night, due to a process known as respiration. It has nothing to do with ghosts whatsoever.
The above stated saga is an age old myth.
The Modern Day ‘Peepal’
A modern day myth regarding sleep is the duration of sleep that is required for a healthy functioning body. Most people believe that 8 hours of sleep is probably the best. It is often said that one shouldn’t sleep less than 8 hours a night because it is unhealthy. Furthermore, it could lead to decline in normal bodily functions. However, you must have observed people who get by with a mere 4 hour sleep and still manage to outshine their peers.
So how do they do it?
Fact of the matter is that a dearth of sleep does not lead to deterioration of health. However there is some truth that you often feel tired.
What do the numbers say?
Consistent with Outsource Market Research India Company Market Quotient’s findings, it has been found that optimum sleep ranging from 6.5 hours to 7.5 hours per night is what the body should be getting. People who have a 6.5 hour to 7.5 hour sleep habit pattern, actually stay healthier and live longer.
To be fair with the research, an 8.5 hour sleep per night is in truth more harmful than a sleep deprived 5 hour night. This should cause people to revise their schedules and keep a check on how long they actually sleep each night.
Sleep Deprived Tiredness A Myth Too?
When one says that there is a decline in productivity when one sleeps less, there may actually be some truth in it. Research by Outsource Market Research India has shown that after a couple of hours (1 or 2 hour) of work, you tend to lose focus. In such circumstances, a sleep nourished brain can revive itself much quickly and begin the task anew with enthusiasm. However, a tired brain cannot work upon the task with the same vigor. Thus, there is a diminishing rate of productivity.
Therefore, a 6.5 hour sleep habit pattern is beneficial but a 4 hour sleep pattern is not. Lack of sleep leads to a definite loss in human concentration and effectiveness.
End Note:
If you are one of those who cannot get by with just 6.5 hours of sleep a night, a suggestion from my end would be to resort to power naps (preferably in the afternoon). A good power nap, especially when you are exhausted has been found to significantly increase work productivity and keep you focused for at least 1.5 hours.
