How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Really Need?

Are you wondering how many hours of sleep you need every night to wake up fully refreshed the next day? Well! The amount of sleep you need each night depends on many factors. One of the most significant factors is your age. 

According to experts and doctors worldwide, the average adult should be getting at least seven to 9 hours each night. 

• Adults who get less than 7 hours of sleep are more prone to health issues. 

• Similarly, for teenagers and children, a minimum of 9-12 hours is essential for a healthy functioning body.

However, how much sleep do adults need varies depending on the quality of their sleep. If you’re unable to stay asleep throughout the night or experience other sleep-related issues, then you may need even more than seven hours of sleep per night. So, if you’re wondering how many hours of sleep do i need at night, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we will explore the recommended sleeping times for different age groups and take a close look at the other factors that impact your sleep needs. 

To learn about how many hours of sleep you need per night, read from start to finish. You can also use the links below to skip to any section in this article.

• How Much Sleep Is Recommended for Each Age Group?

• What Are The Benefits Of Getting Proper Sleep For Different Ages?

• Other Factors Impacting Sleep Needs

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Final Notes

How Much Sleep Is Recommended for Each Age Group?

The recommended amount of sleep for a given individual ultimately depends on a number of factors. However, the largest determining factor when it comes to how many hours of sleep do you need depends on your age. While fully developed adults generally need the least amount of sleep, approximately seven hours or more, teenagers and children are still developing, both mentally and physically. These younger individuals typically need more sleep in order to facilitate healthy growth and development.

Check below that outlines how many hours one should be sleeping each night according to their age. Keep in mind that these are only approximations; other factors, such as health conditions and individual needs, can also have a sizable impact on the amount of sleep one needs.

• Infants 4 months to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps

• 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours

• 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours

• Adults: 7 or more hours a night

As you can see, the amount of sleep one requires gradually decreases as they age. Infants, who are undergoing a stage of rapid growth and development, sleep for the majority of the day. And, while children don’t sleep as much as infants, they still need to sleep more than teens and adults. 

However, when talking about how many hours of sleep do adults need, they require less sleep than all the other age groups, usually around 7-9 hours to stay healthy and fit. (additional added)

What are the Benefits of Getting Proper Sleep For Different Ages?

Getting plenty of sleep provides children with several health benefits. In children, getting the recommended amount of sleep is linked to:

• Better physical and mental health

• Improved learning abilities

• Fewer behavioral problems

• Stronger attention span

Adults who get enough sleep on a regular basis also tend to reap many benefits, such as: 

• Better energy levels.

• Fewer chances of chronic illness and heart disease.

• Sharper Cognitive functions.

• Healthier weight management and metabolism.

On the other hand, when adults don’t get enough sleep, they face a variety of consequences. Insufficient sleep has been linked to problems such as:

• Poor Health

• Weight Gain

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

• High Blood Pressure

• Stroke

• Depression

What Other Factors Can Impact Sleep Needs?

While age is an important factor when it comes to the amount of sleep you should be getting, it’s not the only thing to consider. If you’re trying to figure out how many hours of sleep you need per night, then you’ll want to consider more than one aspect. 

Below are some of the other major factors that impact how many hours of sleep you need at night:

1. Quality of Sleep: 

It’s not just about how many hours of sleep you need each night; it’s also about how well you sleep each night. According to a report, more than 70% of the adults in the US have a sleep disorder. This means that even if you spend enough time in bed, poor sleep quality can still leave you waking up multiple times at night or feeling exhausted in the morning.

2. Past Sleep Deprivation: 

If you’re deprived of sleep for a certain period of time, you’ll need to make up for that missed sleep. Thus, if for whatever reason you’re sleep-deprived, you’ll likely need more sleep than usual to feel better.

3. Health Conditions: 

Your general health at any given moment can have a major impact on how many hours of sleep you need. For instance, if you’re feeling sick or recovering from a recent medical procedure, you’ll likely need to get more sleep so that your body can rest and recover.

4. Sleep Disorders: 

Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea can negatively impact the quality of your sleep. According to a report, 1 in 3 adults suffer from insomnia symptoms worldwide. Whereas, around 425 million adults suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
In some cases, conditions such as nighttime acid reflux can exacerbate sleep problems. If this is the case, try out the MedCline Reflux Relief System to prevent acid reflux and get a good night’s sleep.

5. Pregnancy: 

Women who are pregnant go through significant hormonal shifts that can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Physical changes, such as increased weight and discomfort, also make restful sleep more difficult. These factors together often lead to lower overall sleep quality during pregnancy. As a result, many pregnant women may need more hours of sleep than usual to feel properly rested.

So, if you’re experiencing any health conditions or still trying to figure out how many hours of sleep you need, speak with your doctor to explore potential solutions. Addressing any health conditions that stand in the way of a good night’s sleep can lead to improved sleep quality, which can benefit both your mental and physical health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who Decides How Much Sleep We Need?

Organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) have devised sleep recommendations based on current sleep research. For this article, much of our data was sourced from the National Sleep Foundation, which determined recommended sleep times based on feedback from an expert panel of 18 individuals. Over a period of nine months, this panel reviewed relevant research and studies to outline recommended sleep times by age.

2. Is it OK if an individual gets five hours of sleep?

No! At least 7-9 hours of sleep is important for every individual. However, at some point or another, all of us have been in a position where we’ve had to work late nights or get up early in the morning. Sometimes it’s simply not possible to get the recommended amount of sleep each night. While this isn’t bad if it happens occasionally, continuous sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mental and physical health.

One study found that a typical sleep duration of four hours per night is equivalent to adding almost eight years to one’s age. With that in mind, make sure to get a sufficient amount of sleep on a regular basis.

3. How can I ensure I get enough sleep?

There are several ways to determine how many hours of sleep you need to improve sleep quality. For example, you might establish a bedtime routine where you turn off all electronics an hour or two before going to sleep. You can also optimize your sleep environment by making your room dark, cool, and quiet. And, if you have any medical conditions interfering with the quality of your sleep, consult with a medical professional to determine an effective treatment plan.

Final Notes

So, how many hours of sleep do you really need per night? The answer is, it depends. The amount of sleep you get will depend largely on your age, but also on other factors such as quality of sleep, past sleep deprivation, health conditions, sleep disorders, and pregnancy. However, how much sleep adults need should never be less than 7 hours unless there is an emergency to stay awake. So listen to your body and try to get more sleep if you feel fatigued or drowsy during the day.

However, sometimes medical issues get in the way of a good night’s sleep. In this case, you should take action to improve the quality of your sleep. For example, if you struggle with nighttime acid reflux, the MedCline Reflux Relief System is designed to ease symptoms and promote better rest. Similarly, if chronic shoulder pain keeps you awake, the MedCline Shoulder Relief System offers targeted comfort to help you relax. Both solutions work toward the same goal, providing the support you need for a truly restful night’s sleep.

For example, if you experience nighttime acid reflux, try out MedCline’s Reflux Relief System. It is specially designed to ease reflux symptoms and promote better sleep. Similarly, if chronic shoulder pain keeps you awake, try the Shoulder Relief System. Both solutions provide premium levels of support and comfort for those who dream of a better night’s sleep.

To learn more about MedCline’s products and how they can help you achieve a good night’s sleep, chat with one of our Sleep Specialists.