Sometimes, an extra five minutes of sleep isn't a bad thing.
Sleep is a cornerstone of health, essential for both physical and emotional well-being. Yet, despite sleep being just as vital to our …
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Sometimes, an extra five minutes of sleep isn't a bad thing.
Sleep is a cornerstone of health, essential for both physical and emotional well-being. Yet, despite sleep being just as vital to our health as proper nutrition and regular exercise, in today's fast-paced world, it's often the first thing sacrificed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, consolidate memories and regulate hormones. Without adequate rest, you are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions. Getting enough sleep can help reduce the risk of illness, aid in maintaining a healthy weight and improve both mood and heart health. Proper sleep also enhances cognitive functions, such as attention and memory, making daily tasks easier and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, sufficient sleep lowers the likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
Even more, quality sleep is more than just the number of hours spent in bed — it's about how well you rest during those hours. As people age, their sleep needs evolve, making it vital to understand the importance of a good night's sleep at every stage of life.
The amount of sleep required varies significantly across different stages of life. For example, newborns need the most sleep said the CDC, averaging between 14 to 17 hours each day. As children grow, the required amount of sleep decreases, with infants needing 12 to 16 hours, toddlers requiring 11 to 14 hours and preschoolers needing 10 to 13 hours, including naps. School-aged children between 6 and 12 years old should aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers need around 8 to 10 hours.
Adults between 18 and 60 years old should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to maintain optimal health. As adults age, the recommended sleep duration decreases slightly, with those aged 61 to 64 years advised to sleep 7 to 9 hours, and older adults aged 65 and above encouraged to get 7 to 8 hours of rest each night.
Developing healthy sleep habits is essential for improving sleep quality. The CDC recommends:
Quality sleep is not just about duration but also about how restful it is. Signs of poor sleep quality include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night and feeling tired despite getting enough hours of sleep.
Some individuals may suffer from sleep disorders, which prevent them from getting quality sleep, regardless of their efforts. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and sleep apnea. If you regularly experience symptoms of sleep disorders, be sure to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend keeping a sleep diary to track your sleep habits, which can provide insights into potential issues.
If sleep problems persist, consult your healthcare provider. They may conduct sleep studies or recommend lifestyle changes to help improve your sleep.
For more information and resources, visit the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov.
