Everyone needs to sleep. A good night’s sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy.
How much sleep do I need?
Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need.
Kids need even more sleep than adults.
- Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
- School-aged and preschool children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
- Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day.
Why is getting enough sleep important?
Getting a good night’s sleep can have many benefits.
- You will be less likely to get sick.
- You will be more likely to stay at a healthy weight.
- You can lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
- You can boost your brainpower and your mood.
- You can think more clearly and do better in school and at work.
- You can make better decisions and avoid injuries. For example, sleepy drivers cause thousands of car crashes every year.
Does it matter when I sleep?
Yes. We have a natural cycle for when we feel tired and awake. Sunlight plays a big role in this cycle.
Our “biological clocks” are set to make us feel the most sleepy between midnight and 7 a.m. Our biological clocks also help us stay alert during the day, although many people have a sleepy period between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Our natural sleep cycle is very hard to break or change. When people have to work during the night, they can have trouble getting enough sleep during the day. People who travel to a different time zone can also have trouble sleeping.
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Source: Content provided and maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services