Most of us know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but too few of us actually make those eight or so hours between the sheets a priority. For many of us with sleep debt, we’ve forgotten what “being really, truly rested” feels like.
To further complicate matters, stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, alarm clocks, and external lights—including those from electronic devices—interferes with our "circadian rhythm" or natural sleep/wake cycle.
Sleep needs vary across ages and are especially impacted by lifestyle and health. To determine how much sleep you need, it's important to assess not only where you fall on the "sleep needs spectrum," but also to examine what lifestyle factors are affecting the quality and quantity of your sleep such as work schedules and stress.
Though research cannot pinpoint an exact amount of sleep need by people at different ages, our new chart, which features minimum and maximum ranges for health as well as “recommended” windows, identifies the "rule-of-thumb" amounts experts agree upon.
Nevertheless, it's important to pay attention to your own individual needs by assessing how you feel on different amounts of sleep.
Are you productive, healthy and happy on seven hours of sleep? Or does it take you nine hours of quality sleep to get you into high gear?
Do you have health issues such as being overweight? Are you at risk for any disease?
Are you experiencing sleep problems?
Do you depend on caffeine to get you through the day?
Do you feel sleepy when driving?
These are questions that must be asked before you can find the number that works for you.
A summary of sleep recommendations includes:
Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours each day.
Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours.
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours.
Preschoolers (3-5):10-13 hours.
School age children (6-13): 9-11 hours.
Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours.
Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours.
Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours.
Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours.
To pave the way for better sleep, follow these simple yet effective healthy sleep tips, including:
Stick to a sleep schedule,even on weekends.
Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.
Exercise daily.
Evaluate your bedroom to ensure ideal temperature, sound and light.
Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine.
Turn off electronics before bed.
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