sleep? how much is enough, how much is too much?

[Jodi-FL]

I've read lots of articles on sleep, but I can't seem to figure out how much I need. I have teenagers and a 2yo and I'm in my 40s and have thyroid issues. I feel like I could sleep all. the. time. Ideally, I think I need about 9 hours, but realistically, I can't get that much. My oldest daughter works until 10:15 and I need to get her from work. I need to get up in the morning before the young kids get up or I feel behind all day. I try to take a 15 min. power nap sometimes, but the 2 little boys don't take naps anymore (most days). Last night we got 10.5 hours of sleep (all of us, it was a miracle!) and I still had to take a nap by 3 this afternoon. what's up with that?

so tired of feeling tired

[Sue G in PA]

but then again...we're all different. I, too, have thyroid issues and when it's not regulated sufficiently..I could sleep all day and night. That would be my #1 suggestion for you: get your thyroid under control! That can take a while to find the right dosage (I'm sure you know that already, though!). Also, one thing I've heard is that every hour you sleep BEFORE midnight is like 4 hours of sleep AFTER midnight (if you follow that!). Not that it helps me...I can never get to bed before midnight! I'm no expert, but it makes sense to me to get 8 hours and have at least some of that be before midnight!

[Antonia]

Sounds like your sleep is not restful. Could be that there are some sleep issues going on like frequent waking or breathing difficulties. My dh was exhausted all the time and went to a sleep clinic where they monitored his sleep for a night. They found that he stopped breathing almost one hundred times! You may be partially waking often, too, and not getting that deep sleep that we need. I have read that moms of small children sleep very lightly because they are always "on alert." We have been compared to medical interns because we are chronically sleep-deprived.

If these are not the problem, it may be that you need some exercise. I know that sounds ridiculous when you are so tired, but I always find when I am exercising regularly, I sleep much better, wake more refreshed, and am able to go all day without wanting that afternoon nap. Hope you figure it out. It's awful dragging around all day. Good luck!

[Colleen]

I think a lot of people sleep too much. Granted, not everyone is going to be like some of us wackos (speaking personally, here!;)) who do well on a handful of hours per night. But it's remarkable, to me, how many people who sleep a great deal (and imo, 10.5 hours is a great deal) say they're tired all the time. Most people I know who nap during the day are people who already sleep 8+ hours at night. It's almost like their body never sufficiently wakes up. Antonia made some great points as far as whether your sleep is restful. I'd also echo her comments re getting more exercise. Here again, I notice that the people I know who say they need more and more sleep are less and less active.

[HeatherH]

I think a lot of people sleep too much. Granted, not everyone is going to be like some of us wackos (speaking personally, here!;)) who do well on a handful of hours per night. But it's remarkable, to me, how many people who sleep a great deal (and imo, 10.5 hours is a great deal) say they're tired all the time. Most people I know who nap during the day are people who already sleep 8+ hours at night. It's almost like their body never sufficiently wakes up. Antonia made some great points as far as whether your sleep is restful. I'd also echo her comments re getting more exercise. Here again, I notice that the people I know who say they need more and more sleep are less and less active.

That is really interesting, Colleen - and I have to say I think I may agree with you. When I sleep too much, I feel very, very sleepy all day (no thyroid issues here). And - my activity level could use some raising :)

So - thanks for giving me something to think about!

[Chris in VA]

60 minutes had a very interesting show last week on sleep--it was detailing a study that showed how sleeping less than 7 hours (really showed 4 hours, but said 4-7) can interfere with cognitive function from the very first night. It was fascinating to me.

I have found I do well if I am asleep by 10:30 or so and up by 7:30. I have the luxury of waking up naturally, and I know my sleep is usually restful. Now that Sky is home, I have to get up at 6 or 6:15, so I'm adjusting.

I would say definitely try to get more exercise, and have your dr. check your thyroid meds.

[Plaid Dad]

It sounds like this could be related to your thyroid condition, but I did want to second the recommendation for having a sleep study done. Your primary care physician can order one. Sleep apnea is surprisingly common, and it would be worth ruling it out in any case. Wishing you well!

[In The Great White North]

For those of you who have done the sleep clinic and found you (or dh) had sleep apnea, what is the treatment/cure?

My dh does this and it wakes me(!) up when I hear him stop breathing for a bit.

[Elisabeth in IL]

I seem to need between 8 and 9 hours of sleep. I used to feel tired allllll the time regardless of how many hours that I slept until I started taking vitamins. When I take them I have more energy and when I don't remember I can tell. I may also have some other sleep problems as my dh says that I snore loudly. :blushing: