Do I Really Need 8 Hours of Sleep?
April 22, 2023 8:33 amExperts recommend that adults get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. That said, everyone’s needs are different! Let’s take a look at some of the factors that could determine your ideal amount of sleep per night.
- Age
- Lifestyle & General Health
- Genetics
It’s not unusual for the amount of sleep you need to change as you get older. Newborns can sleep up to eighteen hours per day! Obviously, we don’t require so much shut-eye as we get older. Teenagers and young adults often need more sleep than older adults, so you might find that you can get by on fewer hours as you age.
Lifestyle factors also influence sleep needs. If you regularly hit the gym or have a very physical job, your body will need more rest time for your muscles to recover properly. Less active folks may require fewer hours of sleep per night. Patients dealing with health issues or recovering from an illness will also need more sleep as they recuperate.
Studies have indicated that genetics play a role in determining sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. If you’re a night owl who struggles waking up early, your DNA could be to blame. That also goes for how much sleep you need. If one person requires 9 hours each night while another gets by just fine on only 7 hours, it could be a simple matter of inherited genetics.
Sleep Dentist in Raleigh, NC
One amount does not fit all when it comes to sleep. While it is generally best to aim for at least 8 hours each night, the important thing is to listen to your body. If you regularly wake up feeling tired or irritable (and it’s not because you currently have a newborn baby!), it could be time for a consultation with our sleep dentist at RespAir Sleep. Please contact us today.
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Categorised in: Sleep FAQ
