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Natural short sleeper
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Sleep patterns in the young and aged
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Natural short sleeper

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Sleep - natural short sleeper

Signs and tests

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.

Review Date: 2006-05-19
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © HealthProfessor LLC. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.