[umpalumpa14588]

Depends. For example, if I work an eve shift, I get to about 8 hrs, but if I work a night shift, I only get 2-3 hours in intermittent (sp?) naps at work (yes, I'm blessed) and another couple hours during the day at home. In other words, not much!

[BoonersmomRN]

On a regular night where I only have lecture in the morning I tend to get anywhere from 5-7 hours.. Clinical nights I get about 3 but then take a nap when I get home. Weekends I ZONK as long as the kids allow me to.

[southernbelle08]

On a good night, I get about 4 or 5. On clinical nights it is usually 3 or 4 and then a nap as soon as I walk in the door that evening. I wish I could get more, but I don't see that happening anytime soon!

[Natkat]

I get 8 to 9 hours. I can't function without sleep. I'd be worthless if I got less than that.

[bekindtokittens]

I'm envious of the people who do well with 4-6 hours of sleep at night.

For my brain to be fully functioning, I need at least 8 hours of sleep, preferably 9. At 7 hours, I'm up, but a bit cranky and easily distracted. 6 or less hours and I'd probably forget to put on pants before leaving the house..

[GratefulHeart]

On weekends ~ 8 hrs.
Most school nights ~ 7 hrs.
Clinical prep nights ~ 3 hrs.

I can only push the envelope for so long and then I'll fall asleep whenever I sit down to study or listen to a lecture, etc. It's something I'm dreading about this semester (my busiest ever), i.e. how I'm going to keep up while being chronically sleep deprived. I'd love to hear some suggestions in that regard (however without caffeine which I've found to be counterproductive).

[MB37]

I get 5-6 on a good night, and you learn to function on that little by being forced to. I envy those who can go to sleep at 10 pm - I don't have that ability. Many nights I get closer to 3, and while caffeine makes me functional, it doesn't really make my brain work any better.

[danissa]

I get by on 5 hrs sleep before a dayshift, but need 6 hrs before a nightshift. but I find that the older I get, I need catch up sleeps! Every month or so, I need to sleep for around 14 hours straight, this refreshes me and I can keep going for another few weeks on the shorter sleeps. But again, with age, the hibernation sleeps are becoming more frequent!

[HappyPreRN]

If I get any less than 7 hours I have to take a nap in my car during my morning break. When I haven't had enough sleep and I drink lots of coffee, I just feel terrible. Even at 7 hours of sleep I feel very sleepy when I get home and sometimes take a short nap. I've always needed a lot of sleep and can sometimes sleep 10+ hours if I don't turn on an alarm.

[JenM]

This may sound strange, but if I don't exercise regularly, I need 8-9 hours. If I exercise at least 30 minutes a day, I am better focused during school and only need 3-4 hours a night. I awake completely recharged and rested! Vitamins help tremendously too!