University student needs more sleep

DEAR DR. GOTT: My son attends a high caliber west coast university. He has an intense schedule that does not allow for much sleep. Bedtime is around 4am with around four to five hours of sleep. From what I hear, his lifestyle is not unusual for university students everywhere. He is well-suited to this level of schooling and enjoys the intensity. He exercises regularly. However, he always seems to be ill, and of course, tired. Every cold, cough, etc., including many bouts of strep and flu tax his system and add more stress. He does not believe in flu shots. He is often put on antibiotics. He knows that danger of these also. Changing his lifestyle is not an option because it is a way of life and a necessity for him to succeed at school. Aside from compulsive hand-washing, is there any way he can better arm himself for the rigors of this coming year? You seem to have thrived with very little sleep over the years. What do you recommend?
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How much sleep is enough?

DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife and I go to bed at about the same time every night. I never get a full seven hours of uninterrupted sleep, and most often awaken in less than five hours. I try to get back to sleep, but it seems to take hours to accomplish this. I know I often see the sun beginning to peek through our curtains at around 5:30 a.m., but I also know I do eventually fall back asleep, however briefly, because when I eventually awaken again, I realize I’ve been dreaming. My left hip arthritis doesn’t help. Are these two-plus hours worth anything? Or am I just as well off getting up and reading during that time?

DEAR READER: The amount of sleep people require varies greatly. In large part, it depends on age, health and physical and mental activity.
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