Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a necessity for all humans, but the amount of sleep we need varies from person to person and changes throughout our lives. While newborns require up to 17 hours of sleep per day, adults are recommended to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, some people may find that they need more sleep than others, and this can be influenced by various factors such as changing hormones, mental health issues, sleep disorders, and exposure to blue light from electronic devices. Understanding why some people need more sleep than others can help us improve our sleep habits and overall well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes |
| Hormones | Women need more sleep than men due to changing hormones |
| Menopause | Menopausal women take longer to fall asleep and spend less time in deep sleep |
| Mental health | Women have a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders |
| City living | 56% of the world's population lives in brightly-lit cities, working remotely at all hours and spending days and nights in front of screens, which can lead to poor-quality sleep |
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What You'll Learn
The effect of changing hormones on sleep
Our sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes. Newborns need 17 hours of sleep a day, schoolchildren need up to 12 hours, and adults need seven to nine hours. However, there are several factors that can affect the quality of our sleep and our sleep needs.
Women need more sleep than men due to their changing hormones, as well as a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. For example, menopause can affect sleep in several ways. It can take longer to fall asleep, and less time is spent in deep sleep than when younger.
Additionally, the modern lifestyle can also impact our sleep. Living in brightly lit cities and spending our days and nights in front of screens can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, leading to poor-quality sleep and an increased need for sleep.
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The impact of menopause on sleep
Our sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes. For example, newborns need 17 hours of sleep a day, schoolchildren need up to 12 hours, and adults need seven to nine hours. However, some people need more sleep than others, and this can be influenced by various factors. One factor that can impact sleep is menopause.
Menopause can affect sleep in several ways. Women going through menopause may take longer to fall asleep and spend less time in deep sleep than they did before menopause. This can be attributed to changing hormones, which can also increase the risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. As a result, women going through menopause may need more sleep than they did previously.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors can also contribute to sleep disturbances during menopause. For example, menopausal women may experience night sweats and hot flashes, which can disrupt sleep. Additionally, menopause can be a time of increased stress and anxiety, which can further impact sleep quality.
It's important to note that while menopause can affect sleep, it is not the only factor. Lifestyle choices, such as exposure to blue light from electronic devices, can also impact sleep quality. Therefore, it's essential to maintain healthy sleep habits and seek professional advice if sleep disturbances become a concern.
Overall, menopause can have a significant impact on sleep, and it is crucial for women going through this life stage to prioritise their sleep health and seek support if needed.
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The influence of mental health on sleep
Sleep requirements change over the course of a lifetime. For example, newborns need 17 hours of sleep a day, while schoolchildren need up to 12 hours. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours. However, there are several factors that can influence an individual's sleep needs.
Women, for instance, need slightly more sleep than men due to changing hormones and a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. Menopause can also affect sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the amount of time spent in deep sleep.
In addition, modern lifestyles can interfere with sleep patterns. Living in brightly lit cities and spending time in front of screens can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, leading to poor-quality sleep and an increased need for rest.
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The role of blue light from screens on sleep
Spending time in front of screens can affect the quality of your sleep. Screens bathe us in blue light, a wavelength that suppresses the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. This can lead to poor-quality sleep and the need for more sleep than the baseline for your age.
Our sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes. Newborns sleep for around 17 hours a day, while schoolchildren sleep for up to 12 hours. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours. However, factors such as changing hormones, mental health issues, and sleep disorders can affect the amount of sleep needed. For example, women need slightly more sleep than men due to their changing hormones and higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. Additionally, menopause can impact sleep quality and duration, with women going through menopause taking longer to fall asleep and spending less time in deep sleep than when they were younger.
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How the amount of sleep we need changes over our lifetime
Our sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes. Newborns need around 17 hours of sleep a day, while schoolchildren need up to 12 hours. As adults, we need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. However, this can vary depending on factors such as lifestyle and gender. For example, women need slightly more sleep than men due to changing hormones and a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders.
Our bodies are built to respond to the cycles of the day, with our energy levels peaking two to four hours after we wake up and again before the dinner hour. However, modern life can disrupt this natural rhythm. Living in brightly lit cities and spending our days and nights in front of screens can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, leading to poor-quality sleep and an increased need for rest.
Additionally, as we age, we may experience changes in our sleep patterns. For example, menopause can affect sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and reducing the amount of time spent in deep sleep.
While our sleep needs may fluctuate throughout our lives, getting adequate rest is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Understanding how our sleep needs change can help us make informed decisions about our sleep habits and ensure we are getting the amount of sleep our bodies require.
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Frequently asked questions
Our sleep needs change over the course of our lifetimes. As we get older, we need more sleep.
Women need slightly more sleep than men because of their changing hormones, as well as a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders.
Our sleep needs are influenced by our environment. Living in a city and spending a lot of time in front of screens can lead to poor-quality sleep and the need for more sleep.
Menopause can affect sleep in several ways. You may take longer to fall asleep and spend less time in deep sleep than you did when you were younger.
