What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
Hi All,
I frequently wake up in the night and can't get back to sleep for an hour or so.
For example, on Saturday, I had this pattern: 9-1; 2:30-4; 4:45-7
From a perspective of feeling awake the next day, am I better off sleeping less hours in one straight block, or sleeping longer but with a few breaks?
Thanks in advance!
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
I would say to go with whatever you feel more rested with.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
I was hoping there was a study that says it doesn't matter, then I would learn to embrace the sleep gaps :-)
Anecdotally, shorter condensed sleep feels better to me than more interrupted sleep
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
I find shorter less interrupted much more restful. After all, that is one of the issues of sleep apnea is that you are constantly wakened before completing sleep cycles, resulting in unrestful sleep.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
I have always had interrupted sleep with CPAP. At times I can't get back to sleep till an hour or so later.
When possible I do try to go straight back sleep without getting up.
However sleep interruption with CPAP therapy is way better than without.
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
There have been studies done. I think we do best with 4hrs sleep, up for 4, then sleep for 4 again. I think that was the result.
But, basically, if you wake up for the last time feeling refreshed, then all is good.
Research sleep hygiene and talk to your GP about sleep meds. Some have a time release version that are specifically for folks that wake up during the night vs can't fall asleep in the beginning.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
It is called "polyphasic" (vs monophasic) if you want to do research. There's even a polyphasic sleep website.
Just remember, if you aren't reading a journal article, watch out for "our way is better which is why you need to buy our product" crap.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
09-29-2017, 07:34 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-29-2017, 07:45 PM by SarcasticDave94.
Edit Reason: clarify
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RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions?
I find that I typically can only sleep about 4 hours at a time. My decision to return to sleep or not is determined by how tired I feel at that time. Some days I do fall back asleep and others I don't need to. Keep in mind that I still have to take naps 4 of 7 days a week due to several illnesses that tire me out very quick. And I have a script for Elavil 25 MG, prescribed to me for a sleep aid, but there are other uses for this as well.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
