Blog Understanding your personal sleep needs


How many hours of sleep do you really need? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is not always straightforward. There are many factors that can influence how much sleep you need, including your age, genetics, and how well you sleep at night. However, there are some general recommendations for how much sleep you should aim for each night.

How many hours of sleep do you need?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night [2]. This is considered the ideal amount of sleep for most adults, as it allows the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. However, it is important to note that everyone's sleep needs are different, and some people may require more or less sleep than others.

There is no “magic number” of hours of sleep that works for everyone. Babies are known to sleep as long as 16 hours a day and that is because it is a part of their growth and brain development [2]. School-aged children and teenagers sleep about 9,5 hours a night, on average [1].

In addition to age, genetics can also play a role in how much sleep you need. Some people are naturally "morning people" and require less sleep than others, while others are "night owls" and require more sleep. Additionally, some people may have sleep disorders or other medical conditions that can affect their sleep needs.

One of the most important factors in determining how much sleep you need is how well you sleep at night. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may require more sleep than someone who sleeps soundly through the night. Additionally, if you wake up feeling refreshed and alert, you are likely getting enough sleep.

Review your sleep

To determine the number that works best for you, recall a day or stretch of days when you felt rested and alert and productive. Ask yourself these questions:

•    Did you awaken without the help of an alarm clock?
•    Where you alert the moment you opened your eyes?
•    Did you feel rested upon awakening?
•    Did you have energy that lasted the entire day?
•    What meals did you eat during the day?
•    What was the last thing you did before going to bed?
•    What time did you go to bed?
•    What time did you awaken?

Review your answers. Not only will you see how other factors affect your sleep, you will learn the number of hours of sleep you needed to feel rested and to have the energy to work through a day. Now you know how to plan your day so that you can achieve the optimal number of hours of sleep each night.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how much sleep you need depends on many different factors, including your age, genetics, and how well you sleep at night. However, 7-9 hours per night is ideal for most adults. It is important to listen to your body and pay attention to your own sleep needs, rather than trying to fit into a specific mold. Additionally, if you have trouble sleeping, or you wake up feeling tired, it may be worth consulting a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.





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References

[1] "Teenagers: As kids get older, their need for sleep decreases slightly. Teens (14-17 years) require about eight to 10 hours of nightly sleep. Adults: Between the ages of 18 and 64, adults should aim for seven to nine hours of nightly sleep. If you're older than 65, you may need a little less: seven to eight hours is recommended."
Source: https://www.thensf.org/how-many-hours-of-sleep-do-you-really-need/

[2] "National Sleep Foundation guidelines advise that healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Babies, young children, and teens need even more sleep to enable their growth and development. People over 65 should also get 7 to 8 hours per night. Knowing the general recommendations for how much sleep you need is a first step."
Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

[3] "How much sleep you need depends on many different factors, including your age, genetics, and how well you sleep at night. However, 7-9 hours per night is ideal for most adults. Tips..."
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sleep-you-need







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