How long am I supposed to sleep each day?

21 Jul How long am I supposed to sleep each day?

Sleep can make you beautiful. You don’t believe us? Just ask Sleeping Beauty.

If we are to be honest, though, the pace of modern life barely gives us time to stop and rest. We get carried away and overwhelmed by the need to make ends meet so much that we forget it’s also important to take care of ourselves. 

A quick fact – good sleep is a major form of self-care. 

Good sleep not only increases brain performance, but also improves mood and overall wellbeing. In case you are not aware, sleep is powerful enough to influence our physical, mental health and our overall quality of life. 

One common question we get asked is this; “How long am I supposed to sleep each day?” Here’s a handy answer for you to remember.

• Infants and newborns require 14-17 hours of sleep per day which gradually decreases as they grow.
• Toddlers require 11-14 hours of sleep per day.
• Teens benefit from 8-10 hours of sleep, essential for both physical and mental development.
• For Adults, the recommended duration is 7-9 hours, although individual variations exist.

Good sleep is essential for body repair. According to research, there are certain repair processes that occur in the body mostly during sleep time, this means that if you do not get enough sleep, those processes get interrupted and are incomplete, becoming a potential recipe for disaster. Furthermore, when we sleep, our brain is working. Sleep helps prepare the brain to remember, learn and create. 

Now, there’s more to good sleep than just the number of hours spent in bed. Quality of sleep is more important than the quantity. How much sleep you get, the level of uninterrupted and refreshing sleep and consistent sleep schedule are all important factors which contribute to your overall quality of sleep.

If you are having problems sleeping at night despite having a healthy sleep environment, you must speak to a health professional. You might be dealing with insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep). 

In the end, it’s very important to listen to your body’s signals and prioritize quality sleep. So, the next time you wonder how long you’re supposed to sleep each day, remember it is not just about quantity but the invaluable quality of your rest. 

As much as you can, prioritize good sleep, it’s a key to unlocking your body’s inner beauty.

Link to source: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health