I'll say it again.
For the few that actually do well with less than eight hours...you are in a minority. Such a small minority that it would do you well to make sure you are actually rested and feel refreshed - like you could take on a whole new day with vim and vigor; like you had the energy to take on the worst problem in your department (or life) and meet it head on with a "Never give up, never surrender," strength (that is not giving up on the art of compromise however). Only you know where your energy meter is at, how full your battery is. If you are one of those four hour types, and you do have the energy and excitement to meet your new day, I congratulate you. Enjoy that double portion of life you've been given.
Most of us, though, need that solid uninterrupted rest. A full night of sleep
If you aren't waking refreshed, you need to find out why. Are you suffering from sleep apnea? Does a partner complain of you snoring, or does your partner's snoring keep you awake or disturb your sleep?
If you suspect sleep apnea is disturbing your or your partner's sleep, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor can order a sleep apnea test. This testing is frequently done in some sort of sleep center, but more and more tests are being done at home.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea and subsequent treatment will help you get the rest your body truly needs. Individuals I've know who have gone on to use various treatments and have had their lives turn a full one-hundred-eighty degrees. Getting the proper sleep with the proper amount of oxygen has renewed their lives.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause and / or contribute to a number of problems including heart disease, depression, accidents and more. Sleep apnea is no joke and a qualified physician can help you determine if you suffer from this malady.
Poor sleep may have causes other than apnea. Late night exercising can lead to sleeplessness.
Caffeine is also a culprit. Many doctors recommend to patients suffering sleeplessness cut back their consumption of items know to have caffeine. Coffee and tea are the obvious drinks to cut out, but other foods and drinks have caffeine.
Are you drinking a caffeinated soda? How much chocolate are you consuming before bedtime? A general rule of thumb is to avoid caffeine after 2:00 pm. Again, you know your body best. Experiment and see where your cut-off threshold lies.
How is the light in your room? Street light leaking through your curtains or windows? Starlight, if you have a lot could provide the bit of light that keeps you awake. Light from electronic items also filters into your room. Many people tackle this with heavy, dark curtains, or sleeping masks. The amount of light you are exposed to when trying to go to sleep definitely has an impact.
Speaking of electronics....Another sleep thief is being around electronics close to bedtime. If possible, cut back on exposure a half hour before your desired bedtime. You may find reading a book relaxing, or taking slow, measured deep breaths. Once you hit that drowsy state, don't try to power through. Give in and let your body take over. It's a signal to you that your body is ready for the ultimate relaxation, a great night of sleep.
Another way to relax your body is to slow your thinking. You can't do that if you're playing games on your tablet or reading your Kindle. Take five or six long, slow, deep breaths, count to seven and slowly exhale. After repeating this a few times and concentrating only on your breathing you may find yourself ready to drift away to dream land.
Get comfortable, crawl under your comforter, blanket or sheet and with your quieted mind and close your eyes. It won't be long before you enjoy the benefits of a full night of sleep and wake up in the morning feeling like a million bucks.