Sleep is not just about feeling refreshed; it’s vital for optimal bodily and mental function. During sleep, the body undergoes crucial processes like cellular growth, repair, and maintenance, essential for immune system effectiveness and overall physical well-being. Hormones regulating development, stress, appetite, and metabolism are released during sleep, and disruptions can lead to various health issues. Adequate sleep enhances physical endurance, coordination, and response time. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, affecting blood pressure levels. Given these benefits, understanding the recommended sleep hours according to age is important. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society provide general guidelines:
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours per day.
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours per day.
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours per day.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per day.
- School-Age Children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours per day.
- Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours per day.
- Adults (18-60 years): 7-9 hours per day, though individual sleep needs may vary.
