Let’s be honest: we’ve all had those nights where 6 hours of sleep is enough or at least seems like it. After all, who has time for a full 8-hour sleep when Netflix is calling, emails are piling up, and you’re battling the snooze button in the morning?
But here’s the burning question: is sleeping for 6 hours really enough to keep you at your best? Some may think it’s more than enough, while others may have a different opinion, shouting for at least 8 hours of sleep.
As long as you don’t feel groggy in the morning or exhausted all day, six hours of sleep is good, provided you buy mattress online that offers exceptional support and comfort all night. That said, studies have different claims, which you should know. Let’s dive into the science and find out how those precious hours of shut-eye are impacting your health.
The science of sleep: Is 6 hours of sleep enough?
You may have heard the golden rule: 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night is the sweet spot for adults. But is that just a suggestion, or is there actual science behind it?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults between 18 and 64 years old need 7–9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. But why? Sleep is when your body repairs, your brain files away memories, and your energy levels get a much-needed reboot. And this doesn’t happen all at once — you need enough time to move through the different stages of sleep, especially the coveted REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, which is key for cognitive function and emotional regulation.
When you only sleep for 6 hours, you’re shaving off crucial cycles of deep and REM sleep, leaving your brain and body running on fumes. Think of it as trying to charge your phone to 50% and expecting it to last all day — it’s just not going to cut it!
The short-term effects of 6 hours of sleep
Sure, you might feel fine after a single night of 6-hour sleep. But if this becomes your routine, let’s say because of a bad mattress, the effects will start to pile up faster than you’d expect. Here’s what can happen when you skimp on sleep frequently:
Mental Fog
Ever feel like your brain is swimming through the mud after a night of short sleep? Studies show that cognitive function can drop by up to 40% when you’re sleep-deprived. That means slower decision-making, poor focus, and a serious case of forgetfulness. This can take a toll on your work and daily activities.
Mood swings & irritability
When you’re not getting enough sleep, even the smallest things can feel like the end of the world. Missing just one or two hours of sleep can leave you cranky and emotionally unstable. So, the next time you feel agitated or experience mood swings at work or home, ask yourself if your 6 hours of sleep is enough.
Decreased productivity
Less sleep can often mean slower reaction times and reduced ability to concentrate. Research has shown that people who sleep only 6 hours a night may have a performance level similar to someone who is legally intoxicated. Who needs to get wasted in a party when they can just sleep for 6 hours?
Long-term health risks of insufficient sleep
Getting by on 6 hours of sleep might not just mess with your mood and productivity—it can actually affect your long-term health. While sleeping for only six hours a night or two might be okay, if that happens for a long time, it can lead to sleep deprivation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that consistent sleep deprivation increases your risk for a host of health problems, including:
- Heart disease: People who regularly sleep fewer than 7 hours a night have a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke.
- Weight gain: Sleep regulates hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. When you don’t get enough, your body sends out hunger signals, making it harder to resist that midnight snack. In fact, people who sleep less than 7 hours are more likely to become obese.
- Diabetes: Sleep is essential for glucose regulation. Less sleep equals a greater risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.
- Weakened immune system: If you’re constantly catching colds or feeling run down, lack of sleep could be the culprit. Getting less than 7 hours regularly can leave your immune system in a weakened state, unable to fend off illness.
If you think you have sleep deprivation, you should consult a doctor and make tiny but consistent improvements in your lifestyle, such as choosing a quality mattress that supports your sleep, exercising, eating healthy, and setting a sleep schedule.
Can You “Catch Up” on Sleep? Spoiler: It’s Not That Simple
You’ve probably heard the idea of catching up on sleep during the weekends— sleeping in late to make up for those lost hours during the workweek. While it sounds like a great idea, sleep experts say it doesn’t quite work like that.
Sure, you might feel more rested after a weekend snooze-fest, but the cumulative effects of lost sleep during the week can’t fully be erased. Your body thrives on consistency. When your sleep patterns are irregular, it throws off your circadian rhythm, which can leave you feeling more tired in the long run.
Why 7-9 Hours of Sleep Makes All the Difference
Here’s the good news: when you start getting that full 7–9 hours, the benefits are instant! You’ll notice significant changes in your body, starting from feeling refreshed and energetic. Let’s look at the changes you might see if you sleep for eight hours every day.
- More energy: You’ll wake up feeling like a new person—no need to slam down 3 cups of coffee before breakfast.
- Better focus: Your brain will work like a well-oiled machine, ready to tackle everything from emails to evening plans without the constant brain fog.
- Happier mood: A well-rested brain is a happy brain. You’ll feel more optimistic and less stressed when things don’t go as planned.
- Healthier body: Your body will thank you with a stronger immune system, a balanced metabolism, and better overall physical health.
Final thoughts on whether sleeping for 6 hours is enough
While 6 hours of sleep might feel like a victory on busy days, it isn’t enough, at least that’s what the studies suggest. You may feel low on energy, experience mood swings, and get agitated at insignificant things. This is your body telling you it needs more of that deep sleep. Whether it’s for your mood, your health, or your productivity, giving yourself those extra hours of rest will make a world of difference.
If your lack of sleep is because of a poor mattress, you must pay attention and take steps to ensure at least your mattress is not the cause for your lack of sleep. Choose a quality mattress, such as Sleepwell’s Pro Nexa Luxury mattress, and give your body what it deserves—7–9 glorious hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Talking about the Pro Nexa Luxury mattress, it is exceptional when it comes to contouring, adapting to your body’s shape with up to 67% more precision than low-quality memory foam mattresses. This personalized support cradles your body, enhancing comfort while allowing for easy movement throughout the night, ensuring you get eight hours of sleep without interruption.
With exceptional air circulation, it dissipates heat 27% faster, ensuring a cool and sweat-free sleep experience. Plus, its superior support delivers 32% higher pressure relief, combining luxurious plushness with responsive contouring.
Backed by Pro Nexa’s patented technology, rigorously lab-tested and certified by RMIT University in Australia, this mattress has earned its place as one of Sleepwell’s bestsellers, loved by consumers for its advanced design.
What really sets the Pro Nexa Luxury apart is its unique “bread vs. dough” demonstration, a creative way to showcase its cutting-edge technology—taking Sleepwell beyond the typical, information-heavy approach used by most brands.
