How Much Sleep Should I Get? Very Well Health Article

Very Well Health Article: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need to Feel Rested?

This article asserts that “everyone needs eight hours of sleep every night” is a myth. Some people need more and some less. The amount changes across our lifetime.

It could be genetics that determines how long you need to sleep. You could be a short sleeper and need less than 7 hours or a long sleeper and need >9.

• Infants 3-11 months of age need between 12-16 hours each night.
• Toddlers 12-35 months of age need between 11-14 hours each night.
• Preschoolers 3-6 years of age need between 10-13 hours each night.
• School-age children 6-10 years of age need between 9-12 hours each night.
• Adolescents 11-18 years of age need between 8-10 hours each night.
• Adults need an average of 8 hours, but the normal range is between 7-9 hours each night.
• Elderly adults may need less sleep, averaging between 7-8 hours each night.

If you find yourself in a sleep debt characterized by daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating, you can take naps, go to bed earlier or sleep in later.

To determine what’s best for you

• Set aside a few weeks to focus on a consistent schedule
• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Allow your self to sleep until you wake up without using an alarm clock
• After a few days, you should have paid your sleep debt. You will begin to approach your average
• Set your bedtime an hour earlier