How much sleep is enough sleep?
The amount of sleep needed varies depending on your age, lifestyle, and individual physiology. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society suggest the following guidelines as general recommendations for how much sleep you should get, splitting this information into age-related recommendations.
Newborns (0-3 months) - 14-17 hours per day
Newborns need the most sleep out of any age group as their brains and bodies are developing rapidly. Their sleep patterns are often irregular and erratic, and they tend to sleep in short stretches throughout the day and night, with very short wake periods of 30 to 60 minutes.
Infants (4-11 months) - 12-15 hours per day
As infants grow, their sleep patterns become a little more regular and organized, although they can be somewhat erratic and unpredictable. They generally have longer periods of sleep during the nighttime and three or four naps during the daytime to total 12 to 15 hours.
Toddlers and preschoolers (1-5 years) - 10-14 hours per day
Toddlers still require a significant amount of sleep compared to adults, averaging about 11 to 14 hours of sleep within a 24 hour period. Most toddlers transition to sleeping through the entire night uninterrupted and taking a single nap during the afternoon.
Preschoolers between the ages of three and give require 10-13 hours per day, and many no longer take regular naps.
School-Age Children (6-12 years) - 9-12 hours per day
As children enter school, they often need between nine and 12 hours of sleep. Consistent sleep schedules and good sleep hygiene become crucial.
Teenagers (13-18 years) - 8-10 hours per day
Adolescents may still need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, hormonal changes and busy schedules can impact their ability to get enough sleep.
Adults (18-64 years) - 7-9 hours per day
Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health and function.
Older Adults (65+ years) - 7-8 hours per day
Older adults often find their sleep patterns change slightly and their sleep becomes more fragmented. However, they generally require a total of between seven and eight hours of sleep within a 24 hour period.