How much sleep is necessary for a restful night?
Understanding individual sleep needs
We are familiar with time guidelines that we can memorize. After eating, we should wait 30 minutes before swimming. Before our flight, we should be at the airport two hours early. Every six months, there is a dentist visit. But what about the question: "How many hours of sleep should I get?" If you are unsure, you are in good company. (By the way, the answer is not the same for everyone.) In this article, you will learn how to find out how much sleep you really need.
Sleep needs in different life stages
Sleep needs change throughout life. In youth, during growth, it is normal to sleep half the day or even more. As we age, we need less sleep per night to maintain our health and well-being.
But age is not the only factor that affects our sleep needs.
- Our genetics influence our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. There is even a rare gene mutation that allows some people to sleep six hours or less each night without experiencing negative effects.
- Our physical and mental health also play a role. People suffering from anxiety or depression often spend less time in deep sleep phases. Therefore, they may need more sleep to rest and recover.
- Lifestyle also influences our sleep needs. Athletes often require more sleep to recover from intense physical training.
Find your ideal sleep amount
Your goal is to find the optimal sleep for yourself – the Quantity of high-quality sleep that makes you healthy, happy, and ready for the day.
The first step is to set a bedtime that allows for the recommended number of sleep hours for your age group. (For adults under 60, we recommend starting with about eight hours.) Stick to this routine for one or two weeks and focus on establishing good sleep habits during this time. Then observe how you feel upon waking and throughout the day.
Do you often hit the snooze button and hide under the blanket when the alarm rings? Do you have trouble concentrating? Do you feel the urge for caffeine and unhealthy food throughout the day? Are you irritable? Are there external signs like red eyes, acne, or weight gain? All these factors could indicate sleep deprivation – a sign that you are not getting enough restorative sleep.
On the other hand, do you sometimes wake up before the alarm and feel full of energy for the day? Do you feel refreshed and stay energized until the evening? Then you may not need the full eight hours of sleep you have planned so far.
Adjust your sleep habits until you find the ideal sleep interval for yourself. It might also help to vary your bedtime. You may find there is a difference if you go to bed at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. and set the alarm an hour earlier without adding extra sleep time.
Can you sleep too much?
Surprisingly, yes.
There are times when we need an extra hour or two of sleep. In the short term, regularly oversleeping can have the same negative effects as too little sleep. However, if you regularly need more than nine to ten hours of sleep to feel rested, this could indicate other health issues such as diabetes, depression, or sleep apnea. To better understand the reason for your oversleeping, it’s best to talk to your doctor to determine if a professional sleep analysis is necessary.
Sleep health with Gorilla Gesund
At Gorilla Gesund, we know how important restful sleep is for your health and quality of life. Our exclusive sleep products, including mattresses and sleep pillows, are specially designed to provide you with the best possible sleep environment. Our experts are happy to assist you to ensure you establish the right sleep habits and meet your individual sleep needs.
Conclusion: Find your perfect sleep rhythm
Sleep is not one-size-fits-all. Individual factors such as age, genetics, health, and lifestyle influence how much sleep each of us needs. The most important thing is to listen to your body’s signals and adjust your sleep habits accordingly. With enough high-quality sleep, you will feel more energized, focused, and overall healthier. And Gorilla Gesund is here to support you on your journey to better sleep quality.
With Gorilla Gesund, you can rely on a wide range of sleep products tailored to your individual needs. Our experts are here to provide you with well-founded advice to ensure you create the best sleep environment for your health and well-being. Don’t compromise when it comes to your sleep – trust Gorilla Gesund for the ultimate sleep quality.
