How Much Sleep Do I Need

How much sleep do we need? This is a question I get a lot from my pediatric and adult patients. We know a child requires more sleep than adults, but how much? 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine & American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines to help everyone with this question. The figure above shows the appropriate amount of time for sleep that is needed.

I know I need 7+ hours of sleep and my goddaughter should have 10-13 hours of sleep. This is great. Now you know how much sleep you should be getting.

What happens if I don’t get that amount? Well, some of us feel and act like the Walking Dead or The Night of the Living Dead. But, there is so much more effected by sleep deprivation, like:

·         Trouble with thinking and concentration

·         You’re more accident prone

·         High prone for memory issues

·         Mood changes

·         Weakened immunity

·         Increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, & gaining weight easily

A study from 2010 in the journal of Sleep found that those adults who sleep less than 7 hours per night have a 12% increased risk of death. Sleep is definitely what the doctor ordered for everyone. I leave you with this: 

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. ~ Irish Proverb

Stay tuned till next blog when I discuss further about the above effects of sleep deprivation (when we get too little sleep).