Getting more sleep is a simple way to work towards better health. Adequate sleep is important to wellness, but many don’t get the sleep that they need each night. So how much sleep do you need each night in order to be healthy?
Is there an exact amount of time?
The amount of sleep a person needs in order to be healthy varies. Several factors influence an individual’s sleep needs.
Age is an important factor – and one that most sleep guidelines are based on – but other factors also determine how much sleep you need each night. Factors such as chronic health conditions, activity levels, mood, and the quality of sleep you normally get all contribute to determine how much sleep you need. This means that general sleep recommendations might not accurately reflect your individual sleep needs.
That being said, following general sleep guidelines may help you get enough sleep to promote good health.
How much sleep do you need?
Most sleep guidelines – including the the CDC’s sleep recommendations – look at age.
This is how much sleep the average person needs based on age.
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 per 24 hours
- Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours per 24 hours
- Toddler (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- Kids 6-12: 9-12 hours
- Teens 13-18: 8-10
- Adults 18-60: 7 or more hours
- Adults 61-64: 7-9 hours
- Adults over 65: 7-8 hours
It’s not all about the bedtime
The duration of sleep is important, but sleep quality is important, too. 10 hours of restless sleep won’t provide you with the same rested feeling as 7 hours of good quality sleep. Also, remember that general sleep guidelines may not apply to your own sleep needs.
Consider meeting with a sleep specialist if you have questions or concerns about your sleep. Sleep is essential to good health, and sometimes getting enough sleep isn’t a simple matter of setting an earlier bedtime. Meet with a sleep specialist in Northwest Arkansas today.