Perfect Number of Hours of Sleep Perfect Number of Hours of Sleep for You
During stressful periods, it’s even more important for us to get adequate sleep each night. You might wonder how to determine the perfect number of hours of sleep for you is required to help you feel energetic each day, and there are several ways to determine the number of hours you need. Here are our top picks.
Tip 1: Consider Your Age
One of the best ways for how to determine the perfect number of hours of sleep for you, your mind and
body is by looking at the age recommendations for total number of hours of sleep. Generally, younger individuals require more sleep than adults do, but there are also other issues to consider about your sleeping schedule.
Tip 2: Consider Your Health
If you are a healthy person, then you will likely require less sleep each night than an individual with a temporary or chronic health issue. When you have an illness such as a sinus infection or a virus, you need more sleep to help you recover. A chronic health condition such as fibromyalgia or arthritis can lead to extreme fatigue that requires more sleep.
Tip 3: Going to Sleep Quickly
In most cases, you should fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed, but if this isn’t happening, we recommend adjusting your bedtime to a later time. To help you go to sleep faster, be sure to avoid stimulants such as caffeinated beverages at least five hours before bedtime.
Tip 4: Sleep Disturbances While Sleeping
If you have been waking up in the middle of the night lately, then you may need to change your bedtime
because this could be a sign that you require less sleep than you are getting. Watching television in bed or eating spicy food late in the evening can also cause sleep disturbances throughout the night, so try to avoid screen time and disagreeable foods before bedtime. Perhaps if you sleep warm, a cooling gel pillow might be worth the upgrade.
Tip 5: Feeling Groggy During the Day
Feeling tired and groggy during the day can be an indication that you need more sleep. If you are falling asleep at your desk or while driving a vehicle on a regular basis, then take that as a sign that you’re lacking in the sleep department. Adjust your sleep schedule and see if getting 30 additional minutes makes a difference. If that doesn’t help, then clock additional zzzs until you regain your energy. If all else fails, speak to your doctor, as this fatigue could signal an underlying medical condition. You could benefit from sleeping on an adjustable base.
Tip 6: Do You Wake Up Without an Alarm?
If you are able to go to bed and wake up at the same time each night and each morning, then your body’s circadian rhythms will adjust. You will likely begin to wake up naturally without an alarm, and this indicates that you are getting enough sleep.
Along with these tips, a new mattress or pillow could drastically improve your sleep. See our monthly promotions.