Sleeping is vital to your health as it recharges the mind and body so that you can function and heal each day. An adequate amount of sleep can prevent illness and can improve productivity and health problems. You may have heard of the magic number “8” when it comes to how many hours of sleep each one of us should be getting, but this depends on the person’s age. Let’s find out how many hours of sleep to aim towards each night.
How Much Sleep is Recommended?
As mentioned before, the targeted hours of sleep one should get can vary by age. For those who are parents, sleep is especially paramount for children. From the time they are newborns, all the way up until they are young adults graduating high school, sleep is critical for proper brain development. However, as we get older, it’s common for us to get less sleep. The older your age, the more responsibility you have as life tends to get a little more chaotic, but it’s still imperative to prioritize sleep as an adult. Below are recommended hours of sleep by age group:
- Newborn (0 – 13 months) 14 – 17 hours
- Infant (4 – 11 months) 12 – 15 hours
- Toddler (1 – 2 years) 11 – 14 hours
- Preschooler ( 3 – 5 years) 10 – 13 hours
- Primary school (6 – 13 years) 9 – 11 hours
- Teenager (14 – 17 years) 8 – 10 hours
- Adult (18 – 64 years) 7 – 9 hours
- Older Adult (65 + years) 7 – 8 hours
As these ranges serve as recommendations for wellness, deciding to sleep more or less is optimally your decision. The “acceptable” amount of sleep can vary, but these are the overall suggested hours to target to achieve optimal health.
How Can I Make Sleep a Priority?
The best way to ensure you are getting enough sleep is by developing a realistic schedule to follow. Studies show that going to bed and waking up at similar times each day can improve sleep quality throughout one’s life. Creating these sleep habits early on can determine how you prioritize sleep as you get older.
For those of you who are parents, getting your kids to bed isn’t always the easiest task. If you find yourself struggling to get your children to sleep on time, some general tips can be helpful no matter their age. Anyone can try to follow these guidelines to increase the hours of sleep you or your kid(s) are getting.
- Create a consistent bedtime
- Avoid using electronics 1 hour before you go to sleep
- Be active by exercising for at least 30 minutes – 1 hour a day
- Don’t consume caffeine in the afternoon
- Reduce nap time during the day
Sleep deprivation affects people of all ages, and it is essential to be aware of it for your well-being. Getting the correct amount of sleep has endless benefits to the body and brain and is often overlooked. You can do everything in your power to live a healthy style, but without following the recommended hours of sleep, you could start to feel the adverse side effects. Remember, it’s never too late to make sleep a priority and start discovering the benefits of a more healthy and energetic life.
For more information on health-related questions, visit our website or contact us today.
