Sleep Foundation Updates “How Much To Sleep” Recommendations

If you’re a regular visitor to SleepBetter.org, you know the answer to the question, “How much sleep do I need?” isn’t as easy as it seems. Your age adds variables, and there are wide differences between individuals.  However, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), in an attempt to create a starting point for discussion on necessary sleep duration, has made a move to update its recommendations.  The nonprofit created a panel of experts from a wide variety of medical organizations.  That panel reviewed the body of research available, and came up with the following suggestions:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours (range narrowed from 12-18)
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours (range widened from 14-15)
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (range widened from 12-14)
• Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours (range widened from 11-13)
• School-Age Children (6-13): 9-11 hours (range widened from 10-11)
• Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours (range widened from 8.5-9.5)
• Young Adults (18-25): 7-9 hours (new age category)
• Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours (no change)
• Older Adults (65+): 7-8 hours (new age category)

Note: Changes from previous recommendations are in parentheses.

The NSF says this is the first time an organization has created recommendations like these that are based on a systematic review of scientific literature.  The NSF points out, however, that these are only guidelines.  As we have mentioned time and time again here at SleepBetter, everyone is different.  If you’re waking in the morning refreshed and are not significantly tired during the day, you’re likely getting enough sleep.  However, if you’re getting the amount recommended above and are still groggy, you may need to increase the amount of sleep you’re getting.  And, of course, always be sure to discuss sleep problems with your doctor.

Source: Huffington Post