Sleep Myths You Can Ignore

"Almost everyone needs eight hours."

Most people need closer to seven or seven and a half hours, says Michael Breus, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan, and adds that some people get by just fine with six and a half. If you're going to bed and waking up at the same time almost every night, sleeping comfortably, and aren't drowsy, run-down or desperate for a nap during the day, then your schedule works for you. If you think you're one of those people who need less than six hours, you're probably kidding yourself. While a select group of "super sleepers" can get by on barely any shut-eye, they're extremely rare and make up only 1 to 3 percent of the population.