better sleep ·
Sleep ·
How Many Hours a Day Should You Sleep?
There is no question that getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night is essential to leading a happy and healthy life. Anyone who has ever experienced sleep deprivation can attest to the fact that humans just don't feel good if they haven't gotten the proper amount of sleep. You may have wondered just how much sleep you're supposed to be getting every night and how you compare to other people. Continue reading below to learn when to sleep and how many hours of sleep you need.
Recommended Sleep Times Unique to the Individual
Just as with most things regarding human health, there is no "one size fits all" nightly sleep recommendation that works for everyone. The amount of sleep that a person needs varies based on age, gender and overall health. It even changes based on more subjective measurements, such as personal preference and the way different sleep times make you feel. It's important to listen to your body and base the amount of sleep you're getting each night on how refreshed you feel the next day.
Sleep Times Based on Age
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the amount of sleep an individual needs changes quite a bit as they age. The NSF website offers a helpful chart which lists the recommended sleep ranges for each age group. The foundation does, however, acknowledge that each individual is different and these sleep time recommendations are generalized to suit most individuals, not all.
- Newborns (0 to 3 months): 14 to 17 hours per day
- Infants (4 to 11 months): 12 to 15 hours per day
- Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11 to 14 hours per day
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10 to 13 hours per day
- School-age children (6 to 13): 9 to 11 hours per day
- Teenagers (14 to 17 years): 8 to 10 hours per day
- Young adults (18 to 25 years): 7 to 9 hours per day
- Adults (26 to 64 years): 7 to 9 hours
- Older adults (65+ years): 7 to 8 hours
It is recommended that anyone experiencing sleep problems should try sticking to a sleep schedule to get his or her body used to a routine. Daily exercise, bedtime rituals and shutting off electronics before bed are also great ways to improve sleep quality. If sleep temperature or uncomfortable bedding is the issue, we also recommend changing out your linens and pajamas for Cool-jams™ temperature-regulating bedding and moisture-wicking sleepwear.
