Do You Really Know About Sleep: The Facts

Believe it or not, our bodies depend on sleep. Sleep is what keeps us healthy, makes us alert, and maintains vitality. Sleep is important for several reasons:

1. Restores the body: During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates itself. This is vital for maintaining good health and ensuring the body is functioning properly.
   
2. Improves memory and learning: Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation and learning. Short-term memories are transferred to long-term memories during sleep; helping us to remember important information better.
   
3. Boosts mood and mental health: Getting sufficient sleep improves our mood and mental health. A lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
   
4. Helps with weight management: Sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. A lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and cell growth, leading to overeating and weight gain.
   
5. Strengthens immune system: Sleep helps to support the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from illness and infection.
   


The amount of sleep you need depends on your age and individual requirements. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the recommended amount of sleep for different age groups are:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours per day
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours per day
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours per day
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per day
• School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per day
• Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours per day
• Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours per day 
• Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours per day

Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain good health and function at their best during the day. However, individual sleep needs can vary and some adults may require more or less sleep than the recommended range. This aids in maintaining good physical health. It also supports mental health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to various negative health outcomes.



These are general recommendations. Individuals may require more or less sleep depending on their lifestyle. Health conditions and individual sleep needs also play a role. You should prioritize getting enough sleep each night. This helps maintain good health. It also ensures you function at your best during the day.