Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

But how do you know how much sleep you really need? While the general recommendation is 7-8 hours of sleep per night for adults, the optimal sleep time can vary depending on your age. In this article, we will discuss the optimal sleep time by age and provide a helpful table to guide you.

Newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns require the most amount of sleep, with the recommended sleep time being 14-17 hours per day. However, this sleep is often fragmented into multiple naps throughout the day and night.

Infants (4-11 months)

As infants age, their sleep patterns start to become more consolidated, with longer periods of sleep at night and shorter naps during the day. For infants, the recommended sleep time is 12-15 hours per day.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers need around 11-14 hours of sleep per day. Most toddlers will have transitioned to one nap during the day, with some even giving up the daytime nap altogether.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Preschoolers need approximately 10-13 hours of sleep per day. Many preschoolers will have stopped napping during the day, but some may still require a daytime nap.

School-Age Children (6-13 years)

School-age children require 9-11 hours of sleep per day. With the demands of school and extracurricular activities, many children in this age group may struggle to get enough sleep.

Teenagers (14-17 years)

During adolescence, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle shifts forward, making it harder for teenagers to fall asleep early and wake up early. The recommended sleep time for teenagers is 8-10 hours per day.

Young Adults (18-25 years)

Young adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per day. However, with the stresses of college, work, and social life, many young adults may find themselves sacrificing sleep to maintain their hectic lifestyle.

Adults (26-64 years)

Adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per day, but many may not be able to get this much sleep due to work and family commitments. It’s important to prioritize sleep as a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being.

Elderly Adults (65+ years)

Elderly adults may experience difficulty sleeping due to changes in sleep architecture and health issues. The recommended sleep time for elderly adults is 7-8 hours per day, but this can vary depending on individual needs and health conditions.

Conclusion

Getting enough sleep is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. Use this table as a guideline to determine the optimal sleep time for your age group, but remember that everyone is different and may have individual needs.

It’s important to prioritize sleep and make it a part of your daily routine for optimal health and happiness.