How much sleep is necessary for a restful night?
Understanding individual sleep needs
We are familiar with time guidelines that we know by heart. After eating we should wait 30 minutes before going swimming. We were supposed to be at the airport two hours before our flight. You have to visit the dentist every six months. But what about the question: “How many hours of sleep should I get?” If you're not sure, you're in good company. (By the way, the answer isn't the same for everyone anyway.) In this article, you'll learn how to find out how much sleep you really need.
Sleep needs in different phases of life
Sleep needs change over the course of life. At a young age, while growing, 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's even a rare genetic mutation that allows some people to sleep six hours or less each night without experiencing ill effects.
- Our physical and mental health also play a role. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often spend less time in the deep stages of sleep. Therefore, they may need more sleep to rest and recover.
- Lifestyle also influences our sleep needs. Athletes often need more sleep to recover from intense physical training.
Find your ideal sleep quota
Your goal is to find the optimal sleep for you - the amount of quality sleep that leaves you healthy, happy and ready to face the day.
The first step is to set a bedtime that allows for the recommended number of hours of sleep for your age group. (For adults under 60, we recommend starting with about eight hours.) Stick to this routine for a week or two, making sure to establish good sleep habits during that time. Then observe how you feel when you wake up and throughout the day.
Do you often hit the snooze button and hide under the covers when the alarm goes off? Are you having trouble concentrating? Do you feel the urge for caffeine and unhealthy food throughout the day? Are you irritated? Are there external signs such as red eyes, acne or weight gain? All of these factors could indicate sleep deprivation - a sign that you're not getting enough restful sleep.
On the other hand, do you sometimes wake up before the alarm clock 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 previously planned for.
Adjust your sleeping habits until you find the ideal sleep interval for you. It might also help to vary your bedtime. You may notice a difference if you go to bed at 10pm instead of 11pm and set your alarm an hour earlier without adding any additional 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 not sleeping enough. However, if you regularly need more than nine to ten hours of sleep to feel rested, it could indicate other health problems such as diabetes, depression, or sleep apnea. To better understand the reason for your over-sleeping, it's best to talk to your doctor to determine whether a professional sleep analysis is necessary.
Sleep health with Gorilla Healthy
At Gorilla Gesund we know how important a restful sleep is for your health and quality of life. Our exclusive sleep products, including mattresses and sleeping pillow, are specifically designed to give you the best possible sleeping environment. Our experts are here to help you 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 quality sleep, you will feel more energized, more focused, and overall healthier. And Gorilla Healthy is here to support you on your journey to better sleep quality.
With Gorilla Healthy you can count on a wide range of Sleep products that are tailored to your individual needs. Our experts are here to provide you with sound advice to ensure you create the best sleep environment for your health and wellbeing. Don't compromise when it comes to your sleep - trust Gorilla Healthy for the ultimate quality sleep.
