Ideal Sleeping Hours by Age: How Important is it for Brain Function & Overall Health?

Sleep is very essential for our health. It provides energy and relaxation. Resting is necessary as it keeps away from diseases.

Among the many advantages of sleep are better mood control, a stronger immune system and enhanced cognitive function. It promotes physical performance and healing, lessens the chance of developing chronic illnesses and aids the body in regeneration and repair.

Getting eight hours of sleep has a lot of benefits, such as better physical health from a stronger immune system and less risk of chronic illnesses, better mental health from an improved mood and less anxiety and improved cognitive function, which results in more productivity and better memory. It also aids in weight control, metabolism regulation and athletic performance.

The amount of sleep that is recommended decreases with age: newborns need 12 to 16 hours (including naps), infants between the ages of 4 and 12 months need 12 to 16 hours, toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2 need 11 to 14 hours, preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 need 10 to 13 hours, school age children between the ages of 6 and 12 need 9 to 12 hours.

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 need 8 to 10 hours, and adults between the ages of 18 and above need 7 to 9 hours. Older adults who are 65 and above usually require 7 to 8 hours. (Disclaimer: Given the input is on an information basis, please seek professional advice.)