Sydney Sweeney has risen in popularity since her epic performance in Euphoria, but not without hard work and sacrificed sleep.
If you’re not familiar with the star, this twenty six year old actress scored Emmy nominations for her roles in The White Lotus and Euphoria along with a 2024 People’s Choice Awards nomination for star role in Anyone But You, and even started her own production company, Fifty Fifty Films.
Let’s just say that Sydney Sweeney’s success didn’t just fall into her lap — the actress has made sacrifices, including her sleep, to get to where she is now.
Sydney Sweeney Can Function on Just a Few Hours of Sleep
The Wall Street Journal asked Sweeney if she’s really able to function on two hours of sleep, to which the actress replied, “I sleep however many hours I get in a night, but I’m known for being able to function off of very, very little for a long amount of time.” (1)
And somehow, perhaps more surprisingly, the star told the WSJ she has never had coffee before, saying “I just drink water.” (1) If you’re shuddering at the thought of sleeping two hours without the hope of a hot cup of coffee waiting for you in the morning, you’re not alone.
Sweeney’s sleep habits seem to echo a recent Martha Stewart interview, proof that Sweeney is not the only celebrity to say she can function on a minuscule amount of sleep. And, in line with the famous names of Stewart, Tom Ford, and Elon Musk, it doesn’t seem like the actress’s poor sleep habits slow her down.
Let’s not sugarcoat Sweeney’s concerning sleep habits just yet.
A 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter discussed Sweeney’s jam packed schedule, which caused her to experience panic attacks. Even after a two-week trip to her home region of the Pacific Northwest, Sweeney said “I still can’t get my mind to shut up, and I don’t sleep.” (2)
The article goes on to discuss Sweeneys beginnings in the acting world at the age of thirteen, when she and her family moved to Los Angeles for the young actress to pursue her dreams. “We lived in one room. My mom and I shared a bed and my dad and little brother shared a couch,” Sweeney told The Hollywood Reporter. (2)
Sweeney has come a long way since then, and it doesn’t seem like her hard work is going on pause anytime soon, given her recent star role in films Immaculate, Anyone But You, and Madame Web. So how does this actress pull off her success on such little sleep?
Sleep Expert Opinions on Sweeney’s Sleep Schedule
Sleepopolis interviewed Dr. Nicole Avena, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and author of the book, “Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Craving, and Conquer Your Addiction” and Dr. Jessica Andrade, ambassador for Natrol and board certified physician with double specialization in pediatric medicine and primary sports medicine with expertise in exercise science and sleep health, for their thoughts on Sweeney’s chaotic sleep schedule.
Avena told Sleepopolis about the immediate impacts of sleep deprivation: “Short term consequences include increased stress responsivity, emotional distress, decline in ability to perform, behavior concerns, mood disorders, and impairments in cognition and memory.” (3)
Phew. If you still think limiting your sleep to reach your goals is a good idea, this might change your mind.
“Research has found that long-term impacts of sleep deprivation include the increased risk of chronic diseases — such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and even colorectal cancer,” said Avena. (3)
Andrade added, “It can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.” (4)
But why — and how — are some people able to “function” on such little sleep?
“Recent research has found that genes may play a role in what is considered an adequate amount of sleep for some individuals,” explained Avena.
Avena told Sleepopolis that the research looked at families that needed less than 6.5 hours of sleep per night, finding that a rare genetic mutation was responsible for their shortened sleep cycles. Those with the genetic mutation were able to feel rested after what is considered short sleep for most. (3)
“All this being said, it is important to note that genetics is just one portion of a person’s health, and other factors are important to consider,” said Avena.
Avena also said that even though someone claims that they can function on little sleep, it doesn’t mean they are functioning to the best of their ability: “Genetics aside, it is important to remember that just because someone can “function” on a limited amount of sleep for a long period of time, doesn’t necessarily mean their sleep practices are healthy.” (3)
Andrade added, “Genetics, lifestyle factors, and individual differences in sleep needs and tolerance to sleep deprivation may play a role. Even those who thrive on little sleep are likely experiencing negative effects on their health and cognitive function, although it may not be immediately apparent.” (4)
Andrade also explained that these sleep deprivation effects can accumulate, resulting in longer term mental and physical health issues: “Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can catch up with these individuals, leading to health issues and impairments in performance.” (4)
Long story short, it’s not a good idea to regularly deprive yourself of sleep to reach your goals. Prioritizing your sleep — and getting the recommended seven to nine hours each night — will help you to stay physically and mentally strong.
If you do find yourself pulling an almost all-nighter like Sweeney (which you might end up doing after watching her new horror film, Immaculate), remember that you can always get yourself back on track by following good sleep hygiene.
Sources
- Florsheim, Lane. “Sydney Sweeney Can Get By on Two Hours of Sleep.” The Wall Street Journal. March 25, 2024. https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/film/sydney-sweeney-immaculate-routine-sleep-cars-books-6e31e78a
- Rankin, Seija. “Sydney Sweeney on Fame, Hollywood Fakery and the Pressure of Paying the Bills.” The Hollywood Reporter. July 27, 2022. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/sydney-sweeney-fame-emmys-euphoria-the-white-lotus-1235186681/
- Avena, Nicole M. Personal Interview. March 27, 2024.
- Andrade, Jessica. Personal Interview. March 27, 2024.