Sleep myths
The eight-hour myth and other beliefs.
Sleep is surrounded by myths. Here are a few put back in their place, with sources.
How many hours?
- Not everyone needs eight hours. Needs vary a lot from one person to the next.
- There are short and long sleepers. What matters is feeling rested, not hitting a number.
A few beliefs
- You can't make up months of shortfall in one night, but a few longer nights cut the built-up tiredness.
- Napping isn't a sign of laziness. Short and in the early afternoon, it can be useful.
Frequently asked questions
Do you really need 8 hours of sleep a night?
No. Sleep needs vary a lot from one person to another: there are short and long sleepers. What matters is feeling rested when you wake up, not hitting a precise number like eight hours.
Can you catch up on sleep at the weekend?
Not all at once. You cannot make up months of shortfall in a single night. A few longer nights do help reduce the fatigue that has built up, though.
Is napping a sign of laziness?
No. A short nap, taken in the early afternoon, can be useful and has nothing to do with laziness. It is an occasional boost, not an admission of tiredness.