Seven hours of sleep can feel better than eight, two doctors explain why

Two sleep experts note that seven hours falls within recommended ranges for many adults and that waking during different points in sleep cycles, plus sleep regularity and oversleeping, can influence morning grogginess.

Many people assume eight hours of sleep is the ideal benchmark. Recent coverage explores why some people report feeling better after about seven hours and worse after longer sleep. Doctors quoted in the article say major guidelines generally recommend seven to nine hours for adults, while individual needs can vary. The piece highlights sleep-cycle timing, consistent schedules, and oversleeping as possible explanations for different morning energy. Key findings: - The National Health Service is reported to recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for the average adult, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society are reported to recommend at least seven hours, according to the doctors cited. - Sleep cycles last roughly 1.5 hours, and the article reports that being woken during deep sleep can cause sleep inertia and strong grogginess, whereas waking at the end of a cycle tends to feel more refreshing. - The article reports that maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake time helps regulate the circadian rhythm and related sleep hormones such as melatonin and cortisol. - A clinical psychologist quoted in the piece is reported to say that oversleeping can sometimes worsen feelings of fatigue or sluggishness. Summary: The article notes that seven hours aligns with professional recommendations for many adults and that how and when a person wakes within sleep cycles can influence morning alertness. Undetermined at this time.