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+--- Thread: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions? (/Thread-What-s-better-less-hours-of-sleep-in-1-go-or-more-hours-with-interruptions)
What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions? - nosleeptilbklyn - 09-25-2017
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? - Walla Walla - 09-25-2017
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? - nosleeptilbklyn - 09-25-2017
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? - TASmart - 09-25-2017
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? - Apnea Infant - 09-25-2017
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.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions? - PaulaO2 - 09-25-2017
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.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions? - PaulaO2 - 09-25-2017
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.
RE: What's better, less hours of sleep in 1 go, or more hours with interruptions? - SarcasticDave94 - 09-29-2017
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.
