Why You’re Tired After 8 Hours of Sleep

Sleep quality, circadian rhythm, and hidden health issues matter more than the number of hours spent in bed.

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For years, Patty Schmidt believed she was doing everything right. She went to bed by 10 p.m., woke up at 6 a.m., avoided coffee after lunch, and stayed off screens before bed. Yet most mornings she woke up exhausted.

“I thought I was disciplined about sleep, but my body told a different story,” Schmidt said. “I would wake up groggy, push through the day, and crash again by midafternoon.”