I get about 7 and don’t nap. I think I’m OK, heath wise.
I need about 30 minutes in bed reading before I fall asleep too. I’m 37 and still don’t do that thing where i fall asleep in front of the TV like my dad. I actually would like to be able to fall asleep faster and be able to take naps, as I think more sleep would be better.
Don’t get less sleep… It sucks.
Today I had to open my gym at 5 AM. I live a good 20 minutes away, had to make my breakfast, shower, etc. I get up at 3:45 most mornings of the week, and last night I went to bed at 1:30 (Went to see The Fighter - Sick movie…) Now I’m only 22 and am able to get away with 2 hour sleep nights every now and then… But they take their toll. You’ll be ready to pass out by 9PM, You’ll live on energy drinks / coffee, and you’ll feel like shit. Most days I’m lucky to get 5 or 6 hours of sleep, and I can function fine.
The secret is a well placed power nap. Today I’m taking two. One 30 minute one before lifting (If you workout when you’re this exhausted, you might as well go home and nap during that time. You’ll put up shit numbers, and feel like shit doing it) And one after lifting (the second is only because my gf and I are going to the city and it’ll be another late night). Also, you’re going to eventually crash doing this. I don’t train any clients Sundays, and I sleep in til about 11 or 12. Enjoy getting the proper amount of sleep while it lasts… Because it won’t, and it’s not a very good feeling :\
TLDR Version:
Caffeine, naps, and a sleep-catch-up day.