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Natural short sleeper

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Natural short sleeper
Natural short sleeper
Sleep patterns in the young and aged
Sleep patterns in the young and aged

A natural short sleeper is someone who sleeps a lot less in a 24-hour period than is expected for other people of the same age. The person is not excessively sleepy.

Causes

Although the individual need for sleep varies quite a bit, the typical adult requires an average of 7 - 10 hours of sleep each night. Short sleepers sleep less than 75% of what is normal for their age, and wake up spontaneously.

Natural short sleepers are different from people who chronically do not get enough sleep because of work or family demands, or who have medical conditions that disrupt sleep.

Symptoms

Natural short sleepers are not excessively tired or sleepy during the day.

Treatment

If you are a "natural short sleeper," who functions effectively during the day, there is no need to see a doctor.

Alternative Names

Sleep - natural short sleeper

Update Date: 4/25/2008

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA System, East Orange, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


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