- Most people sleep between seven and eight hours a night
- But a sleep neuroscientist says you can cut that down to only six hours
- You need to ensure you wake up at the same time every day
- Push back when you go to bed by 20 minutes each week
Lauren Ingram For Daily Mail Australia
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Most of us feel like we’re not getting enough sleep on a daily basis. It seems there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything you need to do, especially if you’re a mum.
However there is a way to train your body get less sleep, without requiring copious amounts of caffeine in the long-term.
According to sleep neuroscientist Professor Jim Horne from Loughborough University, most people can sleep as little as six hours a night without majorly comprising how they function the next day.
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No more yawning: Sleep neuroscientist Professor Jim Horne has explained how you can sleep for only six hours a night without feeling the effects the next day
And whilst sleeping between seven and eight hours is the ideal amount for most people, genetics do play a part in how much sleep you need.
So some people may try to sleep only six hours and find it much more difficult to function than others.
Getting your sleep down to only six hours in the first place is all about having a plan, Professor Horne told Men’s Health.
Firstly, one of the most important things to do is ensure you are waking up at the same time each day, no matter what day of the week.
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No more sleep ins: The key is ensuring you wake up at the same time every day, and then gradually going to bed later and later
Then, once you are in a pattern of waking up at the same time each day, you can start training your body to need less sleep.
First, for an entire week, go to bed 20 minutes later than you usually would. Then the second week, up that to 40 minutes later than normal.
Continue going to bed an additional 20 minutes later each week until you are down to only six hours sleep, and there you are.
Switch off devices: Practicing sleep hygiene is also important to getting a good quality sleep so you don’t feel tired
Although this method works according to Professor Horne, there are other things that you can do to ensure that your quality of sleep is good, which will help you to feel well-rested on only six hours.
Firstly, practice good sleep hygiene by not using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed, and by cutting down on caffeine and alcohol. This will ensure you can fall asleep quickly and won’t be tossing and turning.
Make sure your environment is good for sleep as well. Having a comfortable bed, as well as a room that is at a good temperature and fairly dark is key.
Once you have all these things in place you can generally sleep better, even if you’re getting less hours shut eye than before.
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