Oxford professor challenges the myth of the eight-hour sleep requirement

Dr. Russell Foster of the University of Oxford challenges the common belief that eight hours of sleep is the universal ideal for everyone. He notes that sleep requirements vary significantly between individuals and change with age, suggesting that people should learn to recognize their own specific needs.

Historical and scientific evidence suggests that continuous eight-hour sleep may be a modern social construct following the Industrial Revolution. Research by scientist Thomas Wehr indicates that when humans are exposed to darkness at their own natural rhythm, they tend to sleep in two blocks of approximately four hours, separated by one to two hours of wakefulness. Historian Roger Ekirch also noted that until the late 17th century, humans often practiced segmented sleep, using the interval between sleep periods for activities such as reading or socializing.

Additionally, the expert addresses the misconception that alcohol improves sleep quality. While alcohol may act as a sedative to help a person fall asleep faster, it does not mimic natural biological sleep and can actually alter brain activity during the night.