Evie Summers
Sleep is a necessity for all humans, but the amount of sleep each person needs varies. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, some people need significantly less, while others require more. There are many reasons why some people are short sleepers and others are long sleepers. For example, some people have short-sleeper genes, although this is rare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep needs | Change over the course of a lifetime |
| Sleep needs | Change from 17 hours a day as a newborn to up to 12 hours as a schoolkid to the seven- to nine-hour benchmark for adults |
| Sleep needs | Some people are short sleepers, some are long sleepers, and others are in the middle |
| Sleep needs | Some people need less sleep than the recommended amount, while others need more |
| Sleep genes | Only about 50 families with the short-sleeper genes have been identified |
| Sleep and health | There are no health consequences if you don't get eight to eight and a half hours of sleep per night |
| Sleep and health | Alcohol and cannabis can disrupt sleep |
| Sleep and health | Alcohol can help you drift off more easily, but cause you to awaken more during the night |
| Sleep and health | On vacation, try going to bed at the same time for at least three nights running and not setting an alarm at all |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes
Several factors can influence an individual's sleep needs, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and personal habits. For example, the short-sleeper gene has been identified in about 50 families, allowing them to function optimally with less sleep. On the other hand, consuming alcohol or cannabis can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to more awakenings during the night.
To better understand your unique sleep needs, it's recommended to experiment with your sleep schedule when you have the opportunity, such as during vacations. Try going to bed at the same time for at least three consecutive nights without setting an alarm, allowing your body to wake up naturally. This can provide valuable insights into the amount of sleep your body truly needs to function at its best.
While the recommended sleep duration for adults is seven to nine hours, it's important to remember that this is just a guideline. Some people may feel well-rested with less sleep, while others may require more. Listening to your body and prioritising adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Guinea Pigs and Sleep: Do They Need Darkness?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Short sleepers and long sleepers
Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, some people need significantly less, while others need more.
Some people are short sleepers, needing less sleep than the recommended amount. Others are long sleepers, needing more sleep than the recommended amount. The reasons for this vary. For example, some people have short sleeper genes, which are rare, and only about 50 families with these genes have been identified.
To find out how much sleep you need, try going to bed at the same time for at least three nights in a row without setting an alarm. This will help you learn about your sleep needs.
Bassinet or Co-Sleeper: What's Best for Baby?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep and genetics
Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep, there are short sleepers and long sleepers. Short sleepers are people who get by on significantly less sleep than the average, while long sleepers require more. According to Dr. Louis Ptacek, a neurology professor at UCSF and the co-discoverer of the short sleeper genes, it's not common to have short sleep written in your DNA. So far, only about 50 families with the short-sleeper genes have been identified.
The amount of sleep a person needs can change over their lifetime. Newborns, for example, sleep up to 17 hours a day, while school-aged children may sleep up to 12 hours. As people age, their sleep needs may continue to change, with some people requiring less sleep and others needing more.
To determine your optimal sleep duration, it's recommended to go to bed at the same time for at least three consecutive nights without setting an alarm. This allows your body to naturally regulate its sleep duration. However, it's important to note that alcohol and cannabis can disrupt your sleep, so it's best to avoid them if you're aiming for a good night's rest.
Sleep Study: Prescription Needed or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep and age
Sleep needs change over the course of a lifetime. Newborns sleep for around 17 hours a day, while schoolchildren sleep for up to 12 hours a day. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours. However, not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Some people are short sleepers, some are long sleepers, and others are somewhere in the middle.
There are many factors that influence how much sleep a person needs. Age is one factor, but other factors include genetics and lifestyle choices. For example, drinking alcohol or using cannabis can disrupt sleep, causing a person to awaken more during the night.
It is important to note that while the recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours, some people may function well with less sleep, while others may require more sleep to feel rested. Individual sleep needs can vary, and it is important to listen to your body and get the amount of sleep that works best for you.
To determine your optimal sleep duration, it is recommended to go to bed at the same time for at least three consecutive nights without setting an alarm. This allows your body to naturally regulate its sleep duration and can provide insight into your unique sleep needs.
Exalted Sleep: A Need or a Luxury?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep and health
The amount of sleep a person needs varies from individual to individual. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people are short sleepers, requiring less sleep, while others are long sleepers, needing more than the recommended amount. Our sleep needs also change throughout our lives, from newborns requiring up to 17 hours of sleep a day to school-aged children needing up to 12 hours.
There are a variety of factors that influence how much sleep a person needs. Genetic factors play a role, with some people having short-sleeper genes that allow them to function optimally on less sleep. Lifestyle choices, such as alcohol and cannabis consumption, can also impact sleep quality and duration.
To determine your optimal sleep duration, it is recommended to experiment with your sleep schedule. When on vacation, try going to bed at the same time for at least three consecutive nights without setting an alarm. This can provide valuable insights into your natural sleep patterns and preferences.
While the amount of sleep needed varies, sleep is undoubtedly crucial for health. Adequate sleep supports cognitive function, immune health, and overall well-being. However, it is important to remember that the specific sleep needs of individuals may differ, and it is essential to listen to your body and prioritise getting the amount of sleep that feels right for you.
Young Adult Sleep: Less is More?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, everyone is different. Some people are short sleepers, some are long sleepers, and others are smack-in-the-middle sleepers.
A short sleeper is someone who gets by on significantly less sleep than the average for their age. While it's not common, some people have short-sleeper genes.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults. However, this is just a benchmark and your sleep needs may change over the course of your life.
