Colin Snow
Sleep is a highly individual thing. While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, there are many reasons why some people need more or less sleep than others. This could be due to age, gender, lifestyle, or even the amount of strenuous activity or travel in your life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Athletes | Need more sleep |
| Strenuous activity | Need more sleep |
| Travelling | Need more sleep |
| Women | Sleep 11 minutes more per night than men, on average |
| Older adults | May need only six hours of sleep |
| City dwellers | Need more sleep |
| Remote workers | Need more sleep |
| Screen time | Need more sleep |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Strenuous activity
On average, adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, and lifestyle choices. For example, older adults may need less sleep, while athletes may need more.
The amount of sleep you need can also be affected by your environment and daily habits. If you live in a city, work remotely, or spend a lot of time in front of screens, you may be exposed to high levels of blue light, which can interfere with your sleep quality. As a result, you may find that you need more sleep than the average person to feel well-rested.
Overall, it's important to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. If you've been engaging in strenuous activity, don't be surprised if you find yourself needing a little extra sleep to recover.
Sleep Patterns: Aging and Changing Sleep Needs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travel
There are many reasons why you might need more sleep than average. For example, older adults may need only six hours of sleep, while athletes may need an extra hour. Sleep needs also change over the course of our lifetimes: newborns need 17 hours of sleep a day, while schoolchildren need up to 12 hours. Additionally, women tend to need more sleep than men, with one study showing that women sleep for 11 minutes more per night on average.
When it comes to travel, it is common to need more sleep than usual. This is because travel can be strenuous and disruptive to your normal sleep schedule. Jet lag, in particular, can cause fatigue and sleepiness during the day, as your body adjusts to a new time zone. To mitigate the effects of jet lag, try to gradually adjust your sleep schedule before your trip, stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
If you're travelling by plane, the cabin pressure and dry air can also contribute to fatigue. To combat this, make sure to stay well-hydrated during and after your flight, and consider using a humidifier in your hotel room.
Additionally, travelling to a new place can be exciting but also tiring. Exploring new surroundings, navigating unfamiliar areas, and dealing with different cultures and languages can be mentally and physically exhausting. Make sure to allow for some downtime during your trip and prioritise getting a good night's sleep.
Finally, if you're travelling for an extended period, you may be more active than usual, especially if you're doing a lot of walking or hiking. This can lead to physical fatigue and the need for more sleep to recover. Make sure to listen to your body and get the rest you need.
Should I Tell My Roommate About Sleepovers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Age
Children need more sleep than adults because their growing bodies and brains burn through a lot of energy, and adequate rest and recovery are essential for proper development. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens get eight to ten hours of sleep a night, while younger kids require more.
As we age, our sleep needs don't drop much. Aging adults still need about seven to eight hours of sleep a night for optimal health. However, individual sleep needs may vary, and some people may require an hour more or less than the general range.
Sleep Needs of Children: How Much is Enough?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gender
Women need more sleep than men, on average, due to a variety of biological and behavioural factors. Women tend to fall asleep faster and spend more time in deep sleep, suggesting a greater need for sleep. Insomnia, depression, and hormone changes are common sleep disruptors for women. Women also have a higher risk of developing restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, which can impact sleep quality. Gender-based responsibilities, like caregiving, can also affect sleep duration in women.
The Comfort of Hugging Something to Sleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue light exposure
The human body is particularly sensitive to blue light, and even small amounts can have an impact on sleep. In fact, research has shown that just two hours of exposure to blue light in the evening can significantly reduce the production of melatonin and delay the body's internal clock. This can make it difficult to fall asleep and result in a shorter sleep duration.
The effects of blue light exposure on sleep are particularly relevant for people who live in cities, where artificial lighting is prevalent, and those who work remotely or have flexible schedules. Spending long hours in front of screens, whether for work or entertainment, can contribute to blue light exposure and disrupt sleep patterns.
However, it is important to note that blue light exposure is not the only factor that contributes to sleep needs. Individual differences, such as age, gender, and lifestyle factors, also play a role in determining how much sleep a person requires. Additionally, sleep needs can change over time, and occasional variations in sleep duration are normal.
To mitigate the impact of blue light exposure on sleep, some strategies can be employed. These include reducing screen time before bed, using blue light filters or night mode on electronic devices, and limiting exposure to artificial lighting in the evening. By reducing blue light exposure, individuals can help support their body's natural sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality.
Floor Sleeping: Essential Comforts for a Good Night's Rest
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The amount of sleep a person needs changes over the course of their lifetime. For example, newborns need 17 hours of sleep a day, while schoolchildren need up to 12 hours.
Women need more sleep than men. On average, women sleep for 11 minutes more per night than men.
Older adults need less sleep than other people.
Athletes need more sleep than other people.
People who live in cities need more sleep than those who don't, due to the bright lights and the blue light from screens suppressing the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
![GenCare Maximum Strength Nighttime Sleep Aid Supplement for Adults Deep Sleep Pills with Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg to Fall Asleep Faster- Strong Non-Habit Forming PM Sleeping Relief [96 Softgels]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WC6IGWvcL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
