MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Natural short sleeper

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Natural short sleeper

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition Exams and Tests

Illustrations

Natural short sleeper

Sleep patterns in the young and aged

Alternative Names Return to top

Sleep - natural short sleeper

Definition Return to top

A natural short sleeper is someone who sleeps a lot less in a 24-hour period than is expected for other people the same age. The person is not excessively sleepy.

Exams 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: 5/19/2006

Updated by: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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