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Here's how many hours you should sleep depending on your age

Here's how many hours you should sleep depending on your age

Sleep is not a luxury, but a biological necessity. As one of the essential pillars of physical and mental well-being, it affects brain function, strengthening the immune system, and long-term heart health.

But while the general recommendation for adults remains 7-9 hours a night, sleep needs vary significantly during different stages of life.

According to sleep experts, adults ages 18 to 60 need at least 7 hours of sleep a night to maintain optimal performance. For those ages 61 to 64, the ideal is 7 to 9 hours, while for those 65 and older, the recommendation drops to 7 to 8 hours. However, a common myth that older adults need less sleep is not supported by scientific research.

For 18-25 year olds, sleep is essential for memory, concentration and emotional stability. But the reality is often different: academic commitments, part-time work and social life limit hours of rest. A 2025 study found that almost half of young people experienced sleep problems during the pandemic, accompanied by high stress and anxiety.

Between the ages of 26 and 39, sleep is often sacrificed to keep up with the fast pace of family and professional life. In women, pregnancy and the postpartum period can lead to insomnia and even accelerate the aging process. Also, postpartum thyroiditis, a condition that affects 5-10% of women, can cause significant sleep disturbances.

In the workplace, lack of sleep has serious consequences: according to a 2022 study, sleep-deprived employees had less compliance with safety rules and a higher risk of accidents.

After age 40, the incidence of disorders such as sleep apnea increases, especially during menopause in women. This condition, which temporarily stops breathing during sleep, causes chronic fatigue and reduces quality of life. Experts recommend regular physical exercise, limiting alcohol, and ongoing medical monitoring to address these problems.

In old age, factors such as health problems, medications, as well as loneliness and social isolation, negatively affect sleep quality. Despite this, older people still need 7 to 8 hours of sleep, although efforts to maintain this routine are often challenged by reality./ iefimerida

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