subject: How Much Sleep You Need | Iphone Alarm Clock | Zenawake [print this page] You have projects to complete at the office, kids to look after, and friends to catch up with. You are on the go most of the day. You desperately need more time to perform all these tasks, and cutting back on sleep seems to be the obvious solution. Many of us don"t know how sleeping less affects the body. Do you actually know how much sleep you need? Let"s find out.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a mechanism of the body by which it shuts off from the external world and repairs itself. A variety of maintenance work goes on inside the body while we sleep peacefully. Sleep is like restoration work that makes you ready for a busy day ahead. But unfortunately we do not realize the importance of sleep and simply take it as a resting time. As a result we do not even think about whether we are sleeping adequately and giving body enough time to repair itself.
How Much Should You Sleep?
There is no concrete answer to this question. The answer depends on your age and your individual need for sleep. Doctors follow a general rule which I am presenting here.
Age GroupSleep Required (Hours)
Newborn Babies12-18
Infants (3 Months "" 1 Year)14-15
Toddlers (1-3 Years)12-14
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)11-13
Children (5-12 Years)10-11
Teens (12-18 Years)9-10
Adults7-9
Some adults may need only 7 hours to be at their productive best while others may need at least 9 hours to feel refreshed. Basically how much sleep you require depends on your physiological conditions.
Quality vs. Quantity
There is another point that I want to stress here. Although many people stress the importance of sleeping 7-9 hours, but most of them do not say anything about the quality of sleep. Unless you are getting sound sleep, you will not feel refreshed, no matter how long you sleep. So, the quality of sleep is equally important.
Sleep Less or More?
Sleeping more is as injurious to health as sleeping less. It has been found out that people who sleep more are at risks of developing several diseases and even higher mortality rates. So, it is essential that you sleep as much as you require but neither more nor less.
How to Determine How Much to Sleep?
Studying yourself will provide you with the answer. How do you feel after a night"s good sleep? Study your mood, productivity and energy after sleeping less or more. By assessing your body and its need you will come to know how much sleep is adequate for you.
Summary
You should give sleep the priority it requires. Make it a habit to hit the bed early and follow a strict sleep routine. A power nap during the day may unleash fresh energy for you. Connect to your body and its needs and you will know how much sleep you require.
