How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Really Need?

A good night's sleep is extremely important for your health. Regardless of who you are, sleep is essential for your overall health. Unfortunately, there's a lot that can interfere with natural sleep patterns. When life starts to get busy, it can be the first things to get neglected or sacrificed. 

Some might be under the impression that sleep is only a time for our body and mind to rest. In fact, while you’re asleep, your body remains active. During this time, your body rebuilds muscles you've worn down during the day and removes toxins in the brain that accumulate while you're awake. Sleep is also essential for keeping your memories intact. 

Here are some of the benefits of a good night's rest. 

• Helps prevent weight gain
• Reduces stress and improves mood
• Boost your immune system
• Strengthen your heart
• Increase productivity 
  

Sleep deprivation can affect your body’s ability to regular essential functions including all the ones listed above. Sleep is vital in helping you regulate your emotions. Being sleep deprived for one night can increase your emotional response to negative feelings by 60%. 

Lastly, sleep plays a vital role in maintaining your circadian rhythm. Your inner biological clock runs on an approximately 24-hour schedule controlling the sleep-wake cycle. It may also influence your metabolism, inflammation, and how you respond to stress. 

Not getting enough sleep is linked to many adverse effects, including impaired focus and decision-making and increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimers. 

How much sleep each person needs depends on numerous things. 

The amount of sleep you need per night is primarily determined by your age. Official recommendations for sleep duration are broken down by age group.

However, some people might need more or less sleep than is recommended depending on the following factors:

• Genetic makeup: Your genetics are a determining factor in how many hours of sleep you need per night. Some genetic mutations can affect how long you need to sleep, what time of day you prefer to sleep, and how you respond to sleep deprivation.
• Sleep quality: The quality of sleep can also affect how much you need. If your sleep quality is poor, you may find that you still feel tired after getting what should be considered enough. 
  

How much sleep you need depends on many factors including your age, genetics, and how well you sleep at night. However, 7-9 hours per night is ideal for most adults. 

Sleeping well is important to staying healthy and rested. With various habits like being more active or following  routine can help your quality of sleep. Reference 3 helpful tips for a great night of sleep for various tips for better sleep.