How Much Sleep Do You Really Need at Night?

You’ve likely heard the statistics that say average adults should sleep 7-9 hours a night. While that may be the ‘average’, that amount of sleep isn’t ideal for everyone. In fact, the amount of sleep each person needs hinges on several factors.

Have you been feeling fatigued lately? Have you been getting your average 7 hours of sleep to no avail? If so, then you may not be enjoying the best sleep quality. Or, you may not be getting enough sleep at all.

So, how much sleep do you really need? Read on for your in-depth guide on getting a good night’s rest.

What the Statistics Say

Like explained above, statistics show that adults need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep. So, where do these statistics come from, and is that number accurate?

This common statistic comes from the National Sleep Foundation’s guidelines. These guidelines got created by a panel of 18 experts. These experts reviewed several studies and considered various outcomes.

In the end, they agreed that the amount of sleep each person needs varies.

There are clear ranges of sleep needs, though. For instance, no adult can function at their best with less than six hours of sleep. This lack of rest will cause impairment.

Factors That Influence Sleep Quality and Quantity

The expert panel noticed one glaring fact — age makes a huge difference in sleep needs. That’s why experts suggest that infants get at least 14-17 hours of sleep a day. In general, sleep needs decrease as we age.

Age isn’t the only factor that impacts how much sleep you need. Your health, lifestyle, and past experience can all impact your body’s needs. The quality of your sleep matters, too.

Certain conditions, like chronic pain and anxiety, demand that you get more sleep. Past trauma can also mean you need more sleep than average. Poor quality sleep will also lead you to feel like you need more sleep.

Finding Your Ideal Sleep Time

So, how much sleep is best for you? You’ll want to test out different ranges to see what fits you best. One great idea to try is to go to bed early. Let your body wake you up when it feels ready.

After several days of this, your body should fall into a natural and comfortable rhythm.

If you’re struggling to get quality sleep, then you need to address that, too. Figure out how to make your sleeping space as comfortable as possible. Consider researching sleep aids like SugarBear sleep vitamins.