According to Your Age.. How Many Hours of Sleep Are Suitable for You?

SadaNews - Sleep is not just a break from the day's fatigue, but a vital process that humans need in a specific amount that varies according to age.

Infants need between 14 and 17 hours daily, while preschool children need between 10 and 13 hours.

As one ages, this requirement gradually decreases, reaching 8–10 hours for teenagers, and 7–9 hours for adults, while older adults (65 years and older) suffice with 7–8 hours.

Women in the early months of pregnancy often require additional hours to support physical and hormonal changes, according to a report published on the "WebMD" medical site.

However, quantity is not the only measure, as feelings of drowsiness during the day even during quiet activities such as watching a movie or driving indicate insufficient sleep.

"Sleep Debt"

This deficit is known as "sleep debt," where the body demands to compensate for the lost hours sooner or later, affecting concentration, reaction times, and brain health.

Sleep is divided into stages, the most prominent being deep sleep which allows the body to repair tissues, enhance growth, strengthen immunity, and renew energy, and the rapid eye movement (REM) stage which begins about 90 minutes after falling asleep, where the brain becomes active and dreams occur.

This stage is essential for consolidating information in long-term memory and supporting learning abilities.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is not limited to fatigue; its signs appear in excessive drowsiness, reliance on alarms, difficulty waking up, poor concentration, and forgetfulness, in addition to obvious mood swings.

As sleep deprivation continues, the effects worsen to include memory impairment, depression, lack of motivation, weakened immunity, weight gain, high blood pressure, and risks of diabetes and heart diseases.

It can also lead to decreased sexual desire and the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.

Hundreds of Thousands of Accidents Annually Due to Drowsiness

The most dangerous aspect is that studies have shown that driving while sleep-deprived can be more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol, with hundreds of thousands of accidents recorded annually due to drowsiness, the last stage before falling asleep.

To ensure healthy sleep, experts recommend adhering to a regular sleep and wake schedule, preparing a quiet and dark bedroom free from screens, and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.

It is also advisable to exercise daily at least five hours before bedtime and take a short nap not exceeding half an hour if necessary.

If sleep disorders persist, consulting a doctor becomes necessary to uncover underlying health issues.