No Sleep? Big Problem.
Everyone needs sleep, as it’s just as important to your survival as food and water. But according to the National Sleep Foundation, few Americans are able to get the necessary amount of sleep.
People can be so busy that sleeping doesn’t even make it on their list of priorities. But whether you’re a college student, new mom or anything in between, getting enough sleep will make you a better you.
Sleep deprivation has a myriad of negative effects. It causes moodiness and sleepiness. Feeling sleepy during your day can lead to less productivity, because your attention, concentration and problem-solving skills are impaired. A lack of sleep also causes major health problems including weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, an overall weakened immune system and increased mortality.
Sleep needs depend on both a person’s lifestyle and health, so it’s important to figure out what factors are affecting your sleep when determining the amount of sleep necessary for you to function well. But for added help, just this year the National Sleep Foundation released an updated version of their recommended hours of sleep for every age group:
- Newborns (0-3 months ): 14-17 hours each day
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours each day
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours each day
- Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours each day
- School age children (6-13): 9-11 hours each day
- Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours each day
- Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours each day
- Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours each day
- Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours each day
Good night!
