How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need?

During all stages of life, we require different levels of sleep to fully function. After long days of expending energy, we need rest to prepare for a new day full of new activities. Most people have the standard “eight hours” drilled into their minds, but is that really what we need? As family doctors in Phoenix, we offer our advice to help determine the correct amount of sleep you should be getting for a full night’s rest.

The fundamental stages of life are vital for a child. Adequate sleep is perhaps one of the most important things for a child as they grow and develop. Infants and children should get at least ten hours of sleep every night, but what about adults? We don’t need as much sleep as our children, or even teenagers.

How much sleep do I actually need?

There are some people who claim they only need a few hours of sleep every night, while others swear they need at least ten hours. The answer to this debate is pretty simple: adaptation. In an interview, Dr. Lela Kheirandish-Gozal, director of clinical sleep research at the University of Chicago, states that “the amount of sleep needed doesn’t change, but the perception of sleep changes.”

This means that if your work schedule changes or if you have a lifestyle change, like welcoming a new baby, your sleep schedule will start to adjust and adapt to the new circumstances. This may seem to have no lasting effects short term, but there can be serious long-term health effects. Insufficient sleep can cause issues with a person’s metabolism, mood, memory and heart function. These issues can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Life gets busy, and sometimes we sacrifice a restful night to get more out of each day. We recommend that adults get at least six to eight hours of sleep. Some people may require more or less. This depends on your lifestyle choices, such as level of physical activity. There are a few things you can do on your own to help improve the quality of your sleep and your overall health by doing so.

Tips for Getting a Great Night’s Sleep

It can be hard to judge whether or not you’re getting enough sleep. Emotional stability, nodding off or falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow are good indicators that you are not getting enough sleep at night. There are a few things you can do to ensure you get better rest at night. Try the following to get the most out of your six to eight hours:

Stick to a set sleep schedule

Practice a relaxing nighttime ritual, including limited screen time

Exercise daily

Find a mattress that is comfortable and supportive

Use pillows that properly cradle your head and neck

Avoid heavy meals in the evening

Follow the tips to improve your sleep quality and live a healthier life. If you believe you are struggling with insomnia or another sleep related disorder, it may be time to reach out to your family doctor at one of our Phoenix-area walk-in clinics. Our qualified staff can assist you in getting a full night’s sleep. Easily make an appointment online right from our website.

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