How much sleep do I need?
Sleep is a critical component of overall health and well-being, therefore, it is important to consider various factors such as age, lifestyle, and individual differences when assessing how much sleep you may need. Fortunately, there are general guidelines that can help provide a framework.
Guidelines
When asking the question ‘How much sleep do I need?’, it is important to consider that each and every person will require different amounts.
Infants and young children require the most sleep, with new-borns needing up to 17 hours a day and young children needing 11-14 hours. As people age, the amount of sleep they need decreases.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following sleep ranges for different age groups:
- School-aged children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
- Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
- Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours
- Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours
It’s important to note that these are just guidelines and some people may need more or less sleep to feel fully rested and rejuvenated. Some people may feel refreshed with just 6 hours of sleep while others may need 10 hours or more, it all depends on the quality of your sleep. The key is to listen to your body and determine how much sleep you personally need to feel alert and energised during the day.
Conclusion
The amount of sleep a person needs can vary depending on a number of factors. Infants and young children require the most sleep, while the amount decreases as people age. It’s important to listen to your body and determine how much sleep you need to feel fully rested and rejuvenated.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve the quality of your sleep, read our article on how to get a good night’s sleep.