Spiritual leader Sadhguru recently revealed in a conversation with Alia Bhatt that he sleeps for only four to five hours a night. While this may sound impressive to some, health experts caution that consistently getting so little sleep may have serious consequences for physical and mental health.
During the interaction between Sadhguru and the actor shared on YouTube, Alia asked him how many hours he sleeps. He revealed that for almost 27 to 28 years, he functioned on two and a half to three hours of sleep. However, after his brain surgery, where he was given sedatives, he now sleeps for four to five hours a day. “I got used to sleeping, and now I sleep for four and a half to five hours, depending on the day,” he confessed to Alia, which surprised the actor, who replied by sharing her own sleep routine: “I sleep for nine or eight hours.”
How much sleep do you need?
According to sleep experts and global health guidelines, most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning. Sleep is not just about rest—it is essential for brain function, immunity, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
Regularly sleeping less than the recommended duration can lead to sleep deprivation, a condition linked to multiple long-term health risks.
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Why is sleeping for four to five hours harmful to health?
According to experts, sleep plays a critical and crucial role in memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
- Poor concentration
- Reduced productivity
- Memory issues
- Mood swings and irritability
Over time, it may also increase the risk of neurological conditions. Consistent short sleep is also associated with serious health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep disrupts hormonal balance, affecting appetite regulation and metabolism.
Doctors say sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Studies show that people who sleep less than six hours a night are more likely to fall sick, as the body has less time to repair and defend itself against infections.
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Less sleep affects mental health
Inadequate sleep is closely linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels. Poor sleep can also elevate cortisol, the stress hormone, making it harder to cope with daily challenges.
Can you thrive on less sleep?
While a small percentage of people may function well on less sleep due to genetic factors, experts stress that this is extremely rare. For most people, regularly sleeping just 4 to 5 hours or less is not sustainable and may lead to cumulative long-term health damage.
Some people also report feeling energetic despite sleeping less. This can happen due to adrenaline or stress masking fatigue, long-term adaptation to sleep deprivation, and even misjudging actual sleep quality. However, your body may still be under strain, even if symptoms are not immediately visible.
How to sleep well?
To improve sleep quality and overall well-being, experts recommend:
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding screens before bedtime
- Limiting caffeine and heavy meals at night
- Creating a calm, dark sleep environment
- Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation
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