Plenty of scenarios might prompt you to wonder, How muchsleepdo I need?
Maybe this thought arises as you start yet another true crime documentary when you should already be sleeping.
Or perhaps you always want an afternoon nap even though you regularly clock eight hours.
Getty / Andy Andrews
No matter why youre wondering how many hours of sleep you need, were here to help.
Heres how much sleep you need if youre like most healthy adults.
Sleep needs for other age groups vary slightly.
TheNSF researchdivides people under 18 into six categories, each with different recommendations.
(What a life.)
Adolescents 14 to 17 should get 8 to 10 nightly hours of rest.
So what if you need more or less than that?
A small group of people can regularly sleep more or less than recommended and be fine.
Dont play yourself and have a go at get by on less than that.
Fewer than six hours of sleep every night isnt recommended for anyone in this age range.
The NSF divides the maximum appropriate upper sleep limit into smaller age increments.
For adults 26 to 64, 10 hours may be appropriate, but thats the cutoff, theNSFsays.
This is what determines how much sleep you need.
Genetics determine much of where you fall in this range, sleep psychiatristS.
The link between sleep and hormones is complex, according to the understatement of the century.
Experts know a lot, like that the hormonemelatoninhelps to regulate sleep-wake patterns.
But they are still determining to what extent hormone fluctuations that seem entirely disconnected from sleep may be involved.
Take themenstrual cycleas an example.
You may also be sabotaging your own sleep.
Yourcaffeine and alcoholintake can be major players.
Exerciseis another habit that can impact how much sweet, sweet rest is right for you.
Some health conditions impact sleep, too.
Below, youll find a few of the most common health conditions that can affect your sleep.
This can also happen with other mental health conditions that can include depressive episodes, such asbipolar disorder.
Similarly, the racing thoughts that come withanxietycan impact your sleep, too.
Some people even experiencenocturnal panic attacks, or overwhelming bouts of fear that rouse them from sleep.
Both of these issues can become cyclical, with insomnia worsening anxiety or depression and vice versa.
If the acid reaches your throat, you might reflexively wake up coughing and choking.
It takes place if muscles at the back of your throat intermittently relax too much and block your airway.
This can cause exhaustion and weakness that make it hard to live life normally.
Other symptoms includememoryproblems, concentration issues, and headaches.
Incessant fatigue is one common result, according to theMayo Clinic.
What to do if you frequently sleep more or less than recommended.
Wed consider seeing a doctor if this describes you.
Aprimary care doctorcan review your sleep habits, discuss sleep hygiene, and screen you for various health conditions.
They can also refer you to a specialist if necessary.
(Heres a handy one from the NSF.)
