Is Sleep Important for Your Health?

I’m sure we’ve all woken up in the morning feeling unrefreshed, knowing we should have gone to bed earlier. Sleep is really important, but why? Why do humans need to spend 7 or more hours in bed each night, for no apparent reason? Well, when we don’t get enough sleep, our health takes the hit. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the health problems a lack of sleep is linked to and how many hours of sleep you should get each night.

The Importance of Sleep for Your Health

Did you know that not getting enough sleep is linked to heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure? A lack of sleep is also linked to depression, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. When we get enough sleep, we can focus better and remember more. For those in school, getting enough sleep improves academic performance! We all know what it feels like to not get enough sleep- the next day you’re tired, kind of grumpy, and just can’t focus! Sleep is just something we can’t live without. 

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

So, now that you know why sleep is important, how many hours of sleep do you need each night? For adults, it’s recommended that you get 7 or more hours of sleep each night. Teens should get 8-10 hours of sleep, and children aged 6-12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep per night. 

Experts suggest keeping it consistent throughout the week on what time you wake up and go to bed at. This helps your body develop a rhythm and will help you sleep better. Online, you can even find sleep calculators that recommend a bedtime for your age and the time you want to wake up at. 

Overall, sleep is really important. Make it a goal to get enough sleep each night, and don’t compromise your sleep! Before the new school year starts, we all need to settle into a good sleep schedule and make sure we budget time for a good night’s sleep.