only 3-4 hours of sleep

[Alfonz]

Hi, I'm 21 y/o and I can only sleep for about 3-4 hours per day. I work 7pm-7am, and have for a while, so I sleep during the day. I keep my apartment dark with thick drapes, I run 3-4 miles about 4-5 times a week, and I do some yoga. I've tried everything, and even though I am really tired when I try to sleep because of all of my work/exercise, I still only sleep 4 hours at a time. Despite this, I don't feel drained, and when I wake up I feel rested. Could only 4 hours be enough for me? Is this something to be concerned about, or should I just accept that this is enough sleep for me?

[Cujothemadog]

I have been sleeping 4 hours a day all my life and I'm 56 and in very good health ;)

[TONYWILLIAMS]

*I'm

[TONYWILLIAMS]

In 41 and having the same issue. Would go right to sleep sleep soundly for 3-4 hours, then wake up for no reason. Not much has changed with my sleep patterns. However, I've worked the same stupid schedule for a year. 430-130am. Sometimes it's disrupted by having to work late keeping me up to 6 or even 9, but for a year over still remained asleep for at least 6 hours. Room is dark. New bed. So no idea.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, you seem to have insomnia. In young to middle aged individuals, sleep maintenance problems tend to be associated with stress, anxiety, or circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

They may also be associated with sleep disorders (eg, sleep apnea, periodic limb movements), medical conditions that cause pain, psychiatric diseases (eg, anxiety, depression), or the use or withdrawal of alcohol, nicotine, or other substances.

The investigations which will help to diagnose the type and cause for insomnia are Polysomnography, Multiple sleep latency test and Actigraphy.

The therapy for this condition includes retaining of normal circadian rhythm by non-pharmacological therapy which includes; Photo therapy, maintenance of sleep hygiene. Also short term course of benzodiazepines against prescription will also help.

You need to go for morning exercises which will make you fresh and active all day and tiredness at the end of day will help you to induce sleep naturally. Yoga and meditation can also help to eliminate stress and create a more peaceful sleeping atmosphere and provides a relaxed state of mind. If you get tired, not able to concentrate, fatigue etc then you can conclude that 4hrs sleep is not enough for you. Young boy like you at list need 6-7 hrs sleep.

I suggest you to consult sleep specialist. Take care and regards.

[dalya]

I am facing the same problem as you. I only can sleep for 3-4 hours per day or no sleep at all still the other day. No matter how tired am i after exercise, i still feel very energetic without feeling sleepy.I really concern about this problem in the future.Cannot sleep always waiting for daylight or the other day. I wonder if there's some medicine might help sleep. I went consult doctor, the doctor said it's common for depression patient to have sleeping disorder,but the problem is i dont have depression. I am fully awoke without feeling sleepy at all, sometimes yawn but still not feeling sleepy. I wonder if in the long run this habit might change. My sleeping routine will back to normal. I suffer this problem for almost 1 year now. Last year i still can sleep soundly.

[Luisitosax]

Hi:
We, as human beens, are naturally day creatures. Our organism is mainly made to work and finction on daylight. At night our glands secret melatonin which regulates cyrcadian rythms. If you feel you have trouble sleeping, maybe your rythm is messed. Try to do some research about how to fix this with melatonin supplements. Even that this is no our normal patter, we can addapt a little our organismo to sleep during day.

Don't be afraid if you are sleeping only 4 hours a day. But try to sleep at least 6. The sleep phases are more controlled at this rate.

[KatEyes]

You're young and strong and the body is amazingly able to do what we require of it. It's not that accumulative damage could not be happening. Kinda like sun damage - we can't see it till the damage has been done. It would be a good idea for you to stay very in tune with your body and watch for signs that this is catching up with you. Sometimes it's subtle - reaction time not as quick, thoughts not as sharply focused, having to think twice about things that used to come quickly.  When you see it's not working for you any longer, take steps to remedy your sleep habits.