September 4, 2019

How Much Sleep Do I Really Need?

An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have some type of sleep disorder. Not getting enough sleep has proven to be detrimental mentally, physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Are you one of them?

Do you know how much sleep you should be getting?  We spend up to one=third of our life sleeping, and it is a vital component to a healthy lifestyle.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the following is a breakdown of hours per night each age range should obtain:

• Newborn: 14-19
• Pre-School (3-5 years): 10-13
• Teenager (14-17): 8-10
• Adult (24-64): 7-9
• Seniors (65+): 7-8

It’s important to pay attention to how you feel and your productivity level compared to how much sleep you got the night before.

The National Sleep Foundation offers some helpful hints to guide families in getting the most rest:

• Turn off all electronic devices. Take them away from children or young teens at bedtime.
• Try to get homework, chores, or other tasks done earlier so they don’t prevent from you going to bed at a reasonable hour.
• Create a bedroom or environment supportive of sleep: dim lighting, soft music, adequate temperature control.
• Practice a bedtime ritual.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals at night.

If you’re still having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to speak with your primary care doctor or to find a sleep professional, like those at Harrington’s Sleep Lab. You may also benefit from writing down your sleep patterns in a diary to help track patterns or issues with your sleep.

Please, think about your “zzzz’s.”  It could save your life.

For more information, visit the National Sleep Foundation at http://sleepfoundation.org/