I could get hit by a bus and die tomorrow and I'd be damn glad I took that extra time for myself each and every day.
https://ask.metafilter.com/297591/Origin-of-the-term-Enginee...
You see it in popular commentary sometimes- the ideas of engineers, often specifically software engineers, claiming unique knowledge by deriving from first principles, in fields they are but laymen in.
Um, don't make-up stupid reasons to do things and justify it with math while ignoring the advice coming from experts in human biology.
The GP's same line of reasoning could be used to justify doing cocaine every night. Think of all the extra time you are getting!
I'm fine living until 65 if it was a full, happy, productive life. I don't need to live forever, nor do I want to.
It’s like working smarter vs. working harder.
I see no reason to think it has significant impact on emotional enjoyment though as you're suggesting - these studies impact learning primarily which wouldn't seem to be deeply involved there. In fact, studies exist showing positive impacts for depression patients.
Ironically, when I am sleep deprived I am more accident prone and more likely to get hit by a bus.
But what's almost certain, if I sleep less than 7 hours for more than 1 week, I will catch a cold. My immune system doesn't work as well without sufficient sleep.
Having enough sleep lifts up my mood, I am naturally joyful, with easy and reliable access to my memory, and relaxed. All day long.
For me, I know that having fewer pleasurable activities in well-rested mode beats the grinding experience of more stuff in grumpy mode.
Being 90-100% present and able to enjoy fewer things is better than being 30-60% present, and in partial agony, with more things.
So I prioritize sleep which forces me to do less unnecessary stuff.
