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Show Why you only need 7 hours of sleepHaving trouble getting that ideal 8 hours of sleep? So is everyone else. But there’s some good news — you may only need 7 hours of it. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Sleep Research Society (SRS) have issued a new recommendation, saying seven is the magic sleep number for most healthy adults. In an article with the Seattle Times, incoming AASM president Dr. Nathaniel F. Watson says 7 hours is the lower limit for how much sleep a healthy adult should get per night. A 15-member panel spent a year reviewing research materials that led the AASM and SRS to this conclusion. “More than a third of the population is not getting enough sleep, so the focus needs to be on achieving the recommended minimum hours of nightly sleep,” Watson said in a press release from the AASM. The study didn’t place a limit on the amount of sleep you should get. People who are recovering from sleep debt or battling sleep illnesses and younger adults probably need closer to 9 hours a night. Part of the problem with how we approach sleep, according to Watson, is our busy lifestyles. The cycle never ends. Work gets us up early in the morning, and on occasion, keeps us up late at night. When it’s not work, it’s family or projects or children. The regular stressors of life are always going to be there. But allotting time in your schedule for at least 7 hours of sleep can keep you more alert during the day. That way you will have the energy to enjoy all the things that are keeping you busy. Quit fighting your snooze button. Make time for at least 7 hours. Related Posts
The BasicsOverviewIt's important to get enough sleep. Sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy. How much sleep do I need?Most adults need 7 or more hours of good-quality sleep on a regular schedule each night. Getting enough sleep isn’t only about total hours of sleep. It’s also important to get good-quality sleep on a regular schedule so you feel rested when you wake up. If you often have trouble sleeping — or if you often still feel tired after sleeping — talk with your doctor. How much sleep do children need?Kids need even more sleep than adults:
Health BenefitsWhy is getting enough sleep important?Getting enough sleep has many benefits. It can help you:
Sleep ScheduleDoes it matter when I sleep?Yes. Your body sets your “biological clock” according to the pattern of daylight where you live. This helps you naturally get sleepy at night and stay alert during the day. If you have to work at night and sleep during the day, you may have trouble getting enough sleep. It can also be hard to sleep when you travel to a different time zone. Get sleep tips to help you:
Trouble SleepingWhy can’t I fall asleep?Many things can make it harder for you to sleep, including:
If you're having trouble sleeping, try making changes to your routine to get the sleep you need. You may want to:
Sleep DisordersHow can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?Sleep disorders can cause many different problems. Keep in mind that it’s normal to have trouble sleeping every now and then. People with sleep disorders generally experience these problems on a regular basis. Common signs of sleep disorders include:
If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse. You may need testing or treatment for a sleep disorder. To learn more about sleep disorders:
Take ActionDaytime HabitsMaking small changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you need. Change what you do during the day.
Get tips for:
Nighttime HabitsCreate a good sleep environment.
Set a bedtime routine.
If you’re still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up. Do something relaxing, like reading or meditating, until you feel sleepy. See a Doctor
If you're concerned about your sleep, see a doctor.Talk with a doctor or nurse if you have any of the following signs of a sleep disorder:
Even if you don’t have these problems, talk with a doctor if you feel like you often have trouble sleeping. Keep a sleep diary [PDF - 53 KB] for a week and share it with your doctor. A doctor can suggest different sleep routines or medicines to treat sleep disorders. Talk with a doctor before trying over-the-counter sleep medicine. Content last updated July 15, 2022 Reviewer InformationThis information on sleep was adapted from materials from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institute on Aging. Reviewed by: August 2021 Is sleeping for 6 hours enough?For many of us, six hours of sleep is not enough for one night. Scientific evidence indicates the average sleep need is around 8 hours and 10 minutes per night (plus or minus 44 minutes or so), with a not-insignificant percentage of the population (13.5%) requiring nine hours or more of sleep time.
Is 5 hours of sleep OK?Sometimes life calls and we don't get enough sleep. But five hours of sleep out of a 24-hour day isn't enough, especially in the long term. According to a 2018 study of more than 10,000 people, the body's ability to function declines if sleep isn't in the seven- to eight-hour range.
Is 7 hours sleep enough?But there's some good news — you may only need 7 hours of it. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Sleep Research Society (SRS) have issued a new recommendation, saying seven is the magic sleep number for most healthy adults.
How many hours of sleep is healthy?How many hours of sleep are enough for good health?. |