We’ve all been there before. You have a big project due at work, a busy social life, and maybe even a side hustle or two—and suddenly, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. So, what do you do when you’re running on fumes? Is it really possible to get by on just six hours of sleep?
As it turns out, the answer is yes—but it’s not going to be easy. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the ways you can make the most of a short night’s sleep and still function at a high level during the day. So, if you’re feeling tired just thinking about your packed schedule, read on for some helpful tips.
1. Caffeinate Strategically
We all know that coffee is a miracle worker when it comes to getting us out of bed in the morning. But did you know that you can also use caffeine to help you stay awake and focused later in the day? If you start to feel yourself flagging in the afternoon, try drinking a cup of coffee or tea. Just be sure not to overdo it; too much caffeine can make you jittery and make it hard to concentrate.
2. Get Some Sunlight
Whenever possible, try to get outside for a few minutes during the day. Sunlight helps improve our mood and energy levels, both of which are important when we’re running on limited sleep. If you can’t step outside, try opening up the blinds or sitting near a window to let natural light into your space.
3. Take Breaks Often
When your mind starts to wander, it’s tempting to push through and try to power through whatever task you’re working on. But if you’re running on limited sleep, this is a recipe for disaster. Instead of trying to tough it out, take frequent breaks throughout the day. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, chat with a coworker, or listen to your favorite song. Taking regular breaks will help keep your mind fresh and prevent burnout.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
What we eat has a big impact on how we feel—so if you’re running on empty, it’s important to fuel your body with healthy foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which will give you an initial burst of energy followed by an inevitable crash. Instead, reach for complex carbs like whole-wheat bread or oatmeal, or protein-rich foods like nuts or yogurt.
Running on limited sleep can be tough—but it is possible to make it through the day with just six hours of shut-eye under your belt. By following the tips outlined above—caffeinating strategically, getting some sunlight, taking breaks often, and eating healthy foods—you can boost your energy levels and power through even the most packed schedule. So next time you find yourself short on time (and sleep), remember that it is possible to get by—you just have to be smart about it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get around with 6 hours of sleep?
Volunteers started by pushing back their bedtime one hour during the first week, and then pushed it back by 1.5 hours for the next three weeks. After doing this and waking up at the same time each morning, people were able to successfully function—and get high-quality sleep—on just six to 6.5 hours of sleep each night.
Can sleeping 6 hours cause anxiety?
Compared with people who slept between 7 and 9 hours a night, people who got less than 5 hours were three to four times more likely to say they experienced depression, nervousness, restlessness or feeling hopeless in the last month.
How many hours of sleep is good for mental health?
Experts suggest that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Everyone is different, though, and you may need more after a few days of burning the midnight (or 2 a.m.) oil.
How can I improve my mental recovery during sleep?
And while sleep is vital for the population in general, it’s especially important for people who live with mental illness.
Tips to Manage Sleep in Mental Health Recovery
Set a daily schedule.
Set up a proper sleep environment.
Get some exercise.
Don’t neglect nutrition.
Practice meditation.
How do I get around with 6 hours of sleep? – Additional Questions
Does lack of sleep cause mental health issues?
While insomnia can be a symptom of psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression, it is now recognized that sleep problems can also contribute to the onset and worsening of different mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.
How poor sleep affects mental health?
If you’re having problems sleeping, you might: be more likely to feel anxious, depressed or suicidal. be more likely to have psychotic episodes – poor sleep can trigger mania, psychosis or paranoia, or make existing symptoms worse.
How can I recover my mental health?
6 Ways to Recover Your Mental Health
1) Remind yourself that you are not alone.
2) Pay attention to your body as well as your mind.
3) Take care of your body — even when (especially when) you don’t feel like it.
4) If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as prescribed.
5) Go to therapy.
6) Reach out to others.
Does sleep help mental breakdown?
When you can’t sleep, your brain and body can’t recover from stress, which, in turn, can lead to worsening stress and anxiety. A lack of sleep can also affect your physical health as well as your mental performance. Others may respond to stress by oversleeping, which may also lead to mental and physical problems.
Does sleep help heal trauma?
Summary: If we sleep in the first 24 hours after a traumatic experience, this may help process and integrate the distressing memories more effectively, as researchers demonstrate in a new study.
How do you help someone with sleep problems?
Lifestyle and home remedies
Stick to a sleep schedule.
Stay active.
Check your medications.
Avoid or limit naps.
Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and don’t use nicotine.
Don’t put up with pain.
Avoid large meals and beverages before bed.
How can I sleep better with anxiety?
Here are some steps to take:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Daylight helps set sleep patterns, so try to be outdoors while it’s light out for 30 minutes a day.
Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime).
Keep naps short — less than an hour — and forgo napping after 3 p.m.
How do you sleep with anxiety and stress?
How Can I Overcome Anxiety at Bedtime?
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene. Dr.
Practice Meditation. According to Dr.
Exercise.
Set Aside Time for Winding Down.
Avoid Stressful Activities Before Bed.
Write Down Your Worries on Paper.
Avoid Lying in Bed Awake.
Limit Screen Time.
How do I fix sleep anxiety?
The basics:
Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.
Don’t eat or drink any caffeine in the four to five hours before bed.
Resist the urge to nap.
Avoid exercise two hours before bed.
Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
Limit your bedroom activities to sleep and sex.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety?
Follow the 3-3-3 rule.
Look around you and name three things you see.Then, name three sounds you hear.Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm.
How Do I Stop overthinking at night?
8 Sleep Experts on What to Do When You Can’t Turn Off Your Thoughts at Night
Distract yourself with meaningless mental lists.
Try to stay awake instead.
Or just get out of bed.
Write down whatever’s freaking you out.
Get back in bed and do some deep breathing.
Try not to try so hard.
Do I have Somniphobia?
Physical symptoms of somniphobia often include: nausea or other stomach issues related to persistent anxiety around sleep. tightness in your chest and increased heart rate when thinking about sleep. sweating, chills, and hyperventilation or other trouble breathing when you think about sleeping.
What is a Glossophobia?
: fear of public speaking In anticipation of speaking in public, a person with glossophobia can experience a dry mouth, weak voice and uncontrollable body shaking.—
What is a Hypnophobia?
Definition of hypnophobia
: morbid fear of sleep.
What is short sleep syndrome?
Short sleeper syndrome (SSS) is a sleep condition characterized by sleeping for fewer than six hours each night. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night to feel rested in the morning. Those with SSS, however, can function normally throughout the day despite less sleep.
Is it OK to sleep 6 hours a night?
Adults. The recommended number of hours is 7 to 9 hours, with 6 hours or 10 hours of sleep deemed appropriate on either side. It is not a good idea to get 6 hours or less of sleep.
Is 6 hours sleep enough?
While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Children and teens need even more. And despite the notion that our sleep needs decrease with age, most older people still need at least seven hours of sleep.
