The amount of sleep a person needs can vary depending on various factors, including age, individual differences, lifestyle, and overall health. However, the National Sleep Foundation and other sleep experts have provided general recommendations for different age groups:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
- Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
- Young adults and adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours
- Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and some people might function well with slightly more or slightly less sleep than the recommended range. Additionally, the quality of sleep matters as much as the quantity. Factors like sleep environment, sleep hygiene, and the presence of sleep disorders can all influence how rested you feel with a certain amount of sleep.
If you consistently find yourself feeling tired during the day, struggling to stay awake, or experiencing other negative effects of sleep deprivation, it’s a good idea to consider adjusting your sleep habits and possibly seeking advice from a healthcare professional.
