How Much Sleep Do You Need?

When you’re scrambling to meet the demands of modern life, cutting back on sleep can seem like the only answer. Who can afford to spend so much time sleeping? The truth is you can’t afford not to. Learn about restorative sleep, how to determine your nightly sleep needs, and what you can do to bounce back from chronic sleep loss and get on a healthy sleep schedule.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, there is “no magic number” when it comes to sleep. Studies have suggested that healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep on a regular basis for optimal performance. However, sleep debt—the accumulated sleep that is lost to poor sleep habits, sickness and other causes—can cause you to feel sleep and less alert, even if you’re getting eight hours of sleep a night. In regards to whether or not sleep debt can be “paid off” overtime, the jury is still out.

Sleep isn’t merely a time when your body and brain shut off. While you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing a wide variety of biological maintenance tasks that keep you running in top condition and prepare you for the day ahead. Without enough hours of restorative sleep, you’re like a car in need of an oil change. You won’t be able to work, learn, create, and communicate at a level even close to your true potential. Regularly skimp on “service” and you’re headed for a major mental and physical breakdown.