Meditation vs. Sleeping, ive done both Options

[Equivalentsuprem...]

Meditation is a discipline in which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.

While doing some research on sleeping i came across an intresting fact that the average human sleeps a 3rd of his life away. Mildly annoyed by this i decided to stay up longer, which caught up to me by day 3. so i looked online in search of sleep alternatives which led me to meditation. It gave me all the benefits of sleep while remaining conscience and aware of my surroundings. Digging deeper into my new habit i've concluded that its better for my body in terms of physical and mental health.

I as well as my peers (parents, teachers friends) have noticed a change in my personality. i'm much calmer and more easy going and free. its like a weight has been lifted.

but i digress,

to those who do meditate as an alternative to sleep or do both for the matter.

what are your views?

[Reidar]

Meditation is not an alternative to sleep. A sleep cycle begins with 4 stages of non-REM sleep before they reverse and REM sleep commences. ACh, a type of transmitter, is activated in the pons structure of the brain, which in turn activates the medulla during REM sleep. This is the most restorative portion of the resting state.

Proper sleep also suppresses cortisol release, a catabolic hormone that oxidizes muscle mass, causing your system to become more efficient at storing body fat as a consequence of nocturnal post absorptive catabolism.

As for "wasting" a good portion of life from sleeping, I do not consider sitting around with my mind as empty as possible to be a significant step above oblivion.

I meditate, but not for your reasons.