Sleep - When and How Much?

[GeorgeLawson]

I've always had conflicting advice about sleep. Some people have recommended I wake up early, as early as 5:30am so I can be productive and get things done, whereas others have recommended I wake up late because I can't be productive anyway if I'm tired and need the extra rest. 

I suppose this all boils down to four questions I'm still confused about: 

1. Assuming you want to be healthy, how many hours of sleep should an adult human being get every night? 

2. When should you go to sleep?

3. When should you wake up? 

4. What should you do if you have insomnia or can't get to sleep? 

Any advice would be much appreciated as I would love to sort out my sleeping patterns once and for all. 

Thanks. 

[Michael569]

"Why we sleep?" by Matthew Walker --> on my "to read this year list" is supposed to be very informative on this topic, perhaps check it out. 

[Soulbass]

Joe Rogan Experience #1109 - Matthew Walker

[Colin]

@Michael569 It is a great book, but a bitter pill to swallow. One of the most important books I have read in recent times. It explains so much about one's self and also the people around you.

[Equanimitize]

If you have the luxury, wake up alarm clock free. 

7-9 hours, preferably 8+ hours.

When the sun goes down, it is time for your body to go down. Same when sun rises. Habitulize evening routine so that the above is satisfied.

When people say insomnia, to me that means the monkey mind is taking over and people get lost in thoughts and then start to worry about not getting sleep and it’s a self perpetuating problem. For this I’d say meditation would be great. 

Of course if it’s a legit medical issue, probably a good idea to get some sort of specialist to help as sleep is foundational. 

@Michael569 Thanks for the reference, I’m going to check it out. 

[GeorgeLawson]

Thanks guys