Would You Still Sleep If You Didn’t Need To?

I love doing morning radio, but I don't get nearly enough sleep, and I'd definitely like to get a little more some days. A lot of people love to sleep. Others think it's a waste of time, but know they need it to survive. Would you still sleep if your body didn't need it? 

In a new poll, 49% said NOPE - they wouldn't bother! And that number was HIGHER among women, and people ages 65 and older.

You've probably heard someone say, "Just imagine all the stuff I could get done if I didn't have to sleep."  Then, they go back to binging watching "Pawn Stars" and "Snapped." A new poll asked more than 6,000 Americans:  "If you could eliminate your own need for sleep, would you do it?"

Forty nine percent said NO, but 30% said yes, they'd still sleep. About 21% aren't sure, which I don't really get.  Maybe they just need to sleep on it.

For what it's worth, men are FAR more likely to continue sleeping than women (37% vs. 23%) The biggest disparity is a person's AGE. The youngest people surveyed, between 18 and 29, were much more likely to continue sleeping - 39% say they would. You all remember when we were that age and could sleep forever. We could ALSO stay out all night, and still be somewhat ok the next day...

As people age, they're more willing to give up sleep, to the point where just 17% of those 65 and older would continue sleeping if their body didn't need it.  And with age comes less sleep, and odd sleeping patterns.

Here are the general rules on sleep time:

The National Sleep Foundation guidelines advise that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. People over 65 should also get 7 to 8 hours per night.

Needless to say, many people believe in, and abide by the old adage "I'll sleep when I die."

-Carla Rea

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