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Alternative names Return to top
Sleep - natural short sleeperDefinition Return to top
A natural short sleeper is someone who habitually and spontaneously sleeps substantially less in a 24-hour period than is expected for a person in his or her age group, and does not have excessive sleepiness.Signs and tests Return to top
Although there is a broad range of variation in the individual need for sleep, the typical adult requires an average of 7 to 10 hours each night. Short sleepers have a daily total sleep time of less than 75% of the age-related norm, and awaken spontaneously.
They should be differentiated from people who chronically obtain inadequate sleep because of work or family demands, or who have medical conditions that disrupt sleep.
Natural short sleepers are not excessively tired or sleepy during the day. If you are a "natural short sleeper," who functions effectively during the day, there is no need to consult a physician.
Update Date: 5/14/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |