How Many Hours Should a Person Sleep Each Night?
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Getting Enough Sleep is Vital for Good Health
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Most healthy adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night to function at their best, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. During sleep the body repairs and restores itself to get ready for the day ahead. The effect of not getting enough sleep includes forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, irritability and a weakened immune system.
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Individual Sleep Needs Vary
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The amount of sleep a person needs largely depends on genetics and age, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The internal biological clock of some people means they need 10 hours to feel alert and well rested the following day, while a tiny minority (3 percent of the population) has a gene than allows them to get by on just six hours.
Bottom Line
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The average sleep needs for different age groups can be used as a guide to how much sleep you should be getting each night. However, researchers at the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School suggest assessing your own individual sleep needs by keeping a sleep diary and paying attention to your sleepiness. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also stresses the importance of quality as well as quantity when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.
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