Evie Summers
Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but the amount of sleep we need varies depending on our age. Newborns, for example, have very different sleep patterns to adults. In this article, we will explore the ideal amount of sleep for different age groups and the potential consequences of not getting enough sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group | Newborns to 14-year-olds |
| Recommended sleep duration | 11-19 hours |
| Percentage not getting enough sleep | 37% |
| Age group | 18-60-year-olds |
| Recommended sleep duration | ≥7 hours |
| Percentage not getting enough sleep | 34.8% |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep recommendations for newborns
Newborns don't have a well-organised sleep schedule with a true bedtime until they are 4-6 months old. After this point, most experts recommend a bedtime of 6-7pm. Parents should factor in time for their child's bedtime routine, which can take 15-30 minutes.
According to the National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations, the percentage of children (aged 4 months to 14 years) not getting enough sleep was highest in certain groups, including children aged 4 months to 5 years (37%) and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander children (61%).
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Sleep and racial/ethnic disparities
Sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. The recommended sleep duration for adults aged 18-60 years is at least seven hours each night. However, disparities exist across age groups and racial/ethnic lines.
Racial and ethnic disparities in sleep health are a significant public health concern. Research suggests that non-Hispanic whites tend to report healthier sleep durations compared to other racial/ethnic groups. For instance, in a 2014 study, the age-adjusted prevalence of healthy sleep duration was lower among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (53.7%), non-Hispanic blacks (54.2%), multiracial non-Hispanics (53.6%), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (59.6%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (66.8%).
These disparities are influenced by various factors, including neighborhood disadvantage, psychosocial and occupational stressors, acculturation, and treatment access and adherence. For example, African Americans/Blacks are more likely to experience hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, which may be linked to racial/ethnic differences in sleep deficiency.
Additionally, cultural influences on sleep disorders, sleep practices, and habitual sleep duration have been understudied in adult sleep literature. This lack of attention contributes to the persistence of racial/ethnic disparities in sleep health and healthcare more broadly.
To address these disparities, interventions targeting the aforementioned factors, such as neighborhood disadvantage and treatment access, may help reduce differences in sleep health across racial/ethnic groups. Furthermore, promoting sleep health education, changing work shift policies, and routinely assessing patients' sleep concerns in healthcare systems can also contribute to improving sleep health for all.
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Sleep and economic disparities
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, and the amount of sleep we need varies depending on our age. While newborns need the most sleep, with their sleep ranging from 11 to 19 hours per 24-hour period, the recommended sleep duration for adults is at least 7 hours each night. However, disparities exist in the prevalence of healthy sleep duration among different age groups and demographic segments.
According to a 2014 report, more than a third of U.S. adults reported sleeping less than 7 hours per night, with Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, non-Hispanic blacks, multiracial non-Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives having a lower prevalence of healthy sleep duration compared to other racial/ethnic groups. These disparities suggest that sociodemographic factors, including economic status, may play a role in the amount of sleep individuals are getting.
Economic disparities can impact sleep in various ways. For example, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have less control over their work schedules, leading to irregular sleep patterns or insufficient sleep. Additionally, stress and financial worries associated with economic disparities can contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
To address these disparities, promoting sleep health education, reducing racial/ethnic and economic inequalities, and implementing changes in work shift policies can be beneficial. Routine medical assessment of patients' sleep concerns can also help identify and address sleep-related issues, improving overall health and well-being.
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Sleep and work shift policies
Newborns have widely varying sleep needs, ranging from 11 to 19 hours per 24-hour period. From 4 to 6 months, most experts recommend a bedtime of 6 pm to 7 pm. For toddlers, the bedtime could be moved a bit later, to 7 pm to 7:30 pm.
The percentage of children (aged 4 months to 14 years) not getting enough sleep was highest in certain groups, including children 4 months to 5 years (37%) and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander children (61%).
The age-specific prevalence of sleeping ≥7 hours was highest among respondents aged ≥65 years (73.7%) compared with other age groups.
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Sleep and health
Sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. The amount of sleep a person needs varies depending on their age. For newborns, sleep needs can range from 11 to 19 hours per 24-hour period. However, it's important to note that newborns don't have a well-organized sleep schedule until they are around 4 to 6 months old. During this early stage, their sleep patterns are still developing, and they may not have a consistent bedtime. From 4 to 6 months of age until their first birthday, most experts recommend a bedtime between 6 pm and 7 pm. For toddlers, the bedtime can be slightly later, typically between 7 pm and 7:30 pm.
As children grow older, their sleep needs continue to evolve. According to a 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health, 37% of children aged 4 months to 5 years and 61% of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander children were not getting enough sleep. These statistics highlight the importance of ensuring that children in these age groups receive adequate sleep to support their health and development.
For adults aged 18 to 60 years, it is recommended to sleep at least 7 hours each night. Sleeping less than 7 hours per night is associated with an increased risk for various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, frequent mental distress, and even all-cause mortality. Ensuring adequate sleep duration is crucial for maintaining optimal health and reducing the risk of these health conditions.
While the recommended sleep duration for different age groups provides a general guideline, it's important to recognize that individual sleep needs may vary. Some people may require an hour more or less than the general range, depending on their unique circumstances. Sleep health education, addressing racial/ethnic and economic disparities, adjusting work shift policies, and routine medical assessment of sleep concerns are all opportunities to promote better sleep health in the population.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns can sleep between 11 and 19 hours per 24-hour period.
From the 4-6 month mark, newborns start to have a well-organised sleep with a true bedtime.
The recommended bedtime for toddlers is between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Adults aged 18-60 years are recommended to sleep at least 7 hours each night.
The age-specific prevalence of sleeping ≥7 hours was highest among respondents aged ≥65 years (73.7%) compared with other age groups.
