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Can you make up for lost sleep?

August 31, 2015

Poornima Prakash from India posed this question. Here is what Dr. Lekuat answers in his video blog.

https://p.dw.com/p/1G0iP
DrLekutat 24 E

Dr. Lekutat's answer:

Adults need an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health. An ongoing sleep deficit can have negative consequences to health, increasing the risk for diabetes, overweight and heart disease. But there’s also good news: it’s possible to partially make up for missed sleep. After a wakeful night, a good night’s sleep can help recharge your batteries. But trying to get extra sleep before a late night doesn’t work. Though you might feel more awake and alert, you’ll still suffer from a sleep deficit.