If you've often questioned whether your six hours of shut-eye are insufficient, or if your nine-hour slumbers are excessively long, science offers an unexpected response: It varies based on your location. A pioneering global research project conducted at the University of British Columbia (UBC) indicates that the widely-held "golden rule" of needing eight hours of sleep could be more fiction than a strict requirement.
Based on information gathered from almost 5,000 individuals spanning 20 nations, this research contradicts the widely held notion that a standard quantity of sleep is essential for overall well-being. It reveals instead that “optimal sleep” differs greatly among various societies. The findings suggest that rather than adhering strictly to time-based measures, understanding local cultural practices might better gauge individual sleep requirements.
What Amount of Sleep Is Considered "Normal" in Your Location?
In Japan, an average individual gets only six hours and 18 minutes of sleep per night. In contrast, this figure rises significantly in France, where people clock an average of seven hours and 52 minutes nightly. Meanwhile, Canadians fall somewhere in the middle, averaging around seven hours and 27 minutes of shut-eye each night. While these statistics might be surprising, their implications are crucial to consider.
not
associated with deteriorating health in nations where individuals get less sleep.
Actually, studies revealed no evidence suggesting that individuals from countries where people tend to sleep for fewer hours are less healthy compared to those who get more sleep. This implies something significant: the amount of sleep might be secondary to how well it matches societal norms regarding "typical" sleep patterns within one’s community.
The Optimal Balance Between Sleep and Health Differs—and So Should Our Recommendations
"We've often been advised to strive for eight hours of sleep, yet this guideline may not be suitable for all individuals," stated Dr. Steven Heine, professor of social and cultural psychology at UBC and lead author of the study, which has been published in the journal.
Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
There isn’t a single quantity of sleep that suits everybody.
The main point here is that people who sleep close to the average amount for their culture generally experience better overall health, irrespective of whether they meet or fall short of the eight-hour benchmark. Essentially, being aligned with societal norms regarding sleep may hold greater importance for your wellbeing than strictly adhering to a specific number of hours.
People whose sleep durations aligned with their cultural norms tended to be healthier overall," said Dr. Christine Ou, an assistant professor at the University of Victoria and the principal investigator of the study. "This indicates that the 'correct' amount of sleep might be what comes naturally according to your societal environment.
Why You Likely Get Less Sleep Than You Need?
One of the most fascinating (yet alarming) discoveries was as follows: throughout all 20 nations examined, individuals were getting at minimum one hour less sleep.
less
Then compared to what was deemed ideal within their respective cultural contexts. Regardless of whether we consider the fast-paced lifestyle of Tokyo or the relaxed atmosphere of Paris, contemporary living seems to reduce the duration of our sleep each night.
This insight intensifies the current discussion on sleep and wellness, particularly since our digital habits, working patterns, and social demands are making peaceful slumber increasingly elusive. The focus shouldn’t merely be on increasing sleep duration; rather, it should involve rediscovering what your culture deems as rejuvenating and wholesome rest.
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What This Implies for You – And Why You Need to Reconsider Sleep Guilt
Therefore, should someone in Tokyo be concerned about not sleeping as much as someone in Toronto? Probably not. According to this study, as long as one's sleep patterns align generally with those typical for their own country, they're probably doing okay. Additionally, comparing oneself to standards from another nation might lead to unwarranted anxiety or feelings of guilt.
These insights promote a more empathetic and culturally sensitive approach to understanding sleep patterns. Health campaigns that overlook societal customs might not just fail but could potentially cause harm. What one individual considers insufficient sleep might be adequate for someone else—and this variability is acceptable.
READ ALSO: 'The golden hour' for slumber: Specialists disclose the optimal bedtime for a prolonged lifespan
The Larger Perspective: Sleep as a Reflection of Culture
Apart from its impact on health, sleep serves as a reflection of our societal structure—it is influenced by work schedules, family dynamics, social norms, and even historical contexts. This research underscores that sleep is not merely physiological but profoundly cultural.
As scientific exploration keeps uncovering new aspects of human sleep, it becomes evident that we must reconsider strict guidelines and adopt a more detailed, compassionate perspective on resting. By making this shift, we could potentially achieve better sleep without the burden of unattainable standards.
So today evening, before you assess your rest based on a standard measure, consider this question instead: Is my sleep pattern aligned with my cultural norms? Since your most rejuvenating sleep could be nearer than you believe—it’s not about the hours, but about finding balance.