Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How much sleep should I get daily?

291 Answers
Last Updated: 09/03/2022 at 3:03pm
Take the first step toward feeling better
Begin your therapy journey today and receive $25 off (use code 25OFF7C)
Moderated by

Graham Barrone, ICHP, MCBT

Counselor

Believing in and supporting you wholeheartedly, we cultivate gentle awareness for responsibility in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we foster growth, improve your

Top Rated Answers
Profile: softthy
softthy
August 23rd, 2018 9:03pm
Hours can definetly differ from person to person, but doctors and also psychologist mentioned 8-9 hours to be the enough hours of sleep to feel energized on the next day. People have may experienced energized even with less hours of sleep, but such a behaviour may be dangerous, especially if it's being coped with mechanism like coffee, energy drinks or medication. If you don't feel like getting enough sleep, due of troubles fallinng asleep, I might recommend you some tips in order to change that so you all can get enough sleep to maintain a health steadily improving lifestyle.
Profile: freshJoy
freshJoy
September 6th, 2018 6:39pm
I personally recommend six to eight hours of sleep everyday, and I think eight hours is better. It is also essential to train your brain to initiate sleep without light sources, such as lamps, lighting and commonly electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones and laptops). You see, in doing you condition your brain not to be confused between staying awake or to sleep. A very common mistake is to think a lot before sleeping. If you do so as a habit, try to read a book and trust me it is the best initiator sleep, as reading tires down your eyes and eventually facilitates sleeping. I hope this helps! Cheers and sweet dreams!
Anonymous
October 11th, 2018 4:04pm
Usually most people need around 6-8 hours a day to feel energized, but not always the case for others! Some People only need about 5-6 hours, but that is unpreferred.. Best way to go is 6-8 hours for a great night sleep! It will keep you energized, and really help with a sleep Schedule.
Profile: RoseGoldLove
RoseGoldLove
October 28th, 2018 10:01pm
That depends on your age. Adults range from 7-9 hours, teens range from 7 1/2- 91/2. 8 hours is probably the best amount of sleep for anyone! Set a time for when you go to bed and when you wake up and stick with it! That will create a healthy sleep schedule for you, leading to more energy, higher brain function, reduce stress, maintain weight, improves memory, it puts you in a much better mood, and much more positive outcomes! If you are having a hard time falling asleep, make sure you dont look at your phone 2 hours before you go to bed, and have some relaxing techniques that will help you fall asleep. Hope this helps!
Anonymous
November 8th, 2018 4:07am
How much sleep you get depends on the person. The average teen should get around 9 hours of sleep to function at his or her best. This rarely happens, but it is the recommended amount
Anonymous
November 8th, 2018 9:46pm
I would say around 7 to 9 hours. It depends to person to person so you have to try around for a little bit. However, not sleeping enough or over sleeping can also affect your day to day functions. I would say the sweet spot is about 8 hours. It really depends from person to person though. I would say try to sleep without an alarm clock on a weekend night and wake up naturally. That is usually around the time your body needs naturally for enough energy to move around for a normal day. I hope my answer helps!
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 5:33pm
About 6-7 hours for your health and everything.
Anonymous
November 18th, 2018 12:00am
It can differ for everyone, but 7-8 hours is a good rule of thumb for most adults. They actually recommend teens get 9.5 hours! What's also important is going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day and trying to get good quality sleep by not eating, exercising, or looking at screens an hour before you go to sleep. You can try experimenting to see how much sleep you personally need to feel good. Some people can get away with 6 hours or even less than that. Some people still need 9 or 10 even into adulthood.
Anonymous
November 30th, 2018 10:48pm
According to sleepfoundation.org, young adults aged from 18-25 should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep daily whilst teenagers 14-17 should get 8 - 10 hours of sleep every night on average. This is what they say: "To pave the way for better sleep, follow these simple yet effective healthy sleep tips, including: - Stick to a sleep schedule,even on weekends. - Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. - Exercise daily. - Evaluate your bedroom to ensure ideal temperature, sound and light. - Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. - Beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine. - Turn off electronics before bed. Good luck :)
Profile: NebulaHealing
NebulaHealing
January 27th, 2019 2:03pm
We find that 7 to 9 hours each night is the best amount of sleep for a person. Any less or more is very likely to make you feel under tired, over tired, eventually physically drained and unwell. You will there for lack in energy and motivation to get on with your day and tasks. Sleeping helps the body and mind relax and heal, so getting enough sleep is vital. Also feeling relaxed as you fall asleep is very important also, for a better sleep and nicer dreams. If you feel you are under or over sleeping, speak to a professional about it, to find answers & solutions to direct you on to a more positive path. :)
Profile: Trice24
Trice24
March 6th, 2019 4:34pm
It varies from person to person but a rough guide would be 7-10 hours a night with the average amount if sleep needed being 8hours a night. As I mentioned it varies a lot from person to person and it can also vary for each person as they go through different stages of their life (for example in general teenagers need more sleep than adults). If you are ill (either physically or mentally) it is likely that you will need more sleep than you do when you are healthy. The flip side of that it that when we are ill with depression or anxiety, one of the first things to be effected is our sleep pattern. For me, when I'm battling depression, my insomnia gets worse which then makes me more depressed which turns into a never ending cycle. This means that a big part of my self care routine is making sure I get enough sleep. If you are struggling with insomnia or you are sleeping more than usual but still don't feel rested, it is a good idea to talk to your GP/primary care doctor as they can do a lot to help you with your sleep.
Profile: Anonfriend13796
Anonfriend13796
April 19th, 2019 5:15am
Ideally 6-8 hours of sleep should suffice for a healthy active adult. However it is all in the mind and it majorly depends on the quality of sleep rather than the quantity. If you can wake up fresh and active after a good night's undisturbed sleep, it means you have slept well. Try reducing your stress levels and if you still feel you're not able to sleep properly, try some moderate form of exercise after meals before going to bed. This shall slightly tire you out and help you sleep better. If you still feel you're suffering from insomnia, you may consult a doctor who would prescribe anti anxiety drugs which would help you calm down and sleep.
Profile: ListeningUnicorn25
ListeningUnicorn25
May 3rd, 2019 10:40pm
6 - 8 hours is healthy. If you are fatigued or exhausted, sometimes more sleep is better. If you can't sleep that long at once, try to nap when you can. It's not always easy to sleep when you have a lot on your mind, so make sure to try something relaxing before you go to bed or take a nap. Music, a book, meditation, or anything else that helps to calm you. Lack of sleep can exacerbate depression and anxiety. Personally, I sleep around 10 hours a day, but it's between night and naps because I suffer from insomnia. Always do what you can to help your health.
Profile: WarmHeart22
WarmHeart22
May 17th, 2019 9:14pm
The amount of sleep that you are required to get will depend mainly based on your health or your personal circumstances. However, it is important, on average, for the average human being, to get at least eight hours of sleep. This is because sleep has been provided to improve executive function significantly which is important for decision making and performing well in the workplace or at school. In addition, sleep can also improve the immune system of the individual which makes it easier to fend off diseases and less likely to be sick. If you do struggle with sleep, it can be attributed to a lack of melatonin levels or a problem with the hypothalamus in which sleep is regulated.
Profile: FrostedRose
FrostedRose
May 30th, 2019 2:47am
The answer depends on various factors such as age, ethnicity/ancestry/genetics, nutrition, etc. There are developmental and post-developmental periods which require greater or lesser amounts of sleep. For some, 6 hours is adequate while others may need 8-10. The total hours spent sleeping may be split between naps and bedtime rest. The essential element when deciding how much sleep is necessary is whether or not you are capable of reaching REM sleep and the period following the end of the REM cycle. Naps should not surpass 20 minutes if 6 hours are acquired and REM sleep achieved. The average number of hours for an average adult to sleep at night is 8 hours.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2019 7:14am
The amount of sleep depends on how active you are, how long you work but also the difficulty of your work. Besides all of that. It depends on you age. There are helpful sites out there on the internet to help you with finding the best answer. You may also find it helpful to seek help by a doctor or a mental health specialist. If you do not feel comfortable with tgese methods of seeking help you can also seek help as a good friend to a certified listener on 7 cups of tea. I hope i answered your questions as good as possibly, i am not a doctor or mental health specialist.
Profile: LGBTQSupport
LGBTQSupport
June 19th, 2019 2:42pm
This would probably be a good question for your doctor, as they know your health better than we would. Generally speak, 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep is good. I find for myself that I can function, and function properly with about 6 hours of sleep. Age has a lot to do with the suggested amount of sleep also. Here is a little chat based on age of the amount of sleep on should get, and this is according to the NSF (National sleep foundation): -Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep range narrowed to 14-17 hours each day (previously it was 12-18) -Infants (4-11 months): Sleep range widened two hours to 12-15 hours (previously it was 14-15) -Toddlers (1-2 years): Sleep range widened by one hour to 11-14 hours (previously it was 12-14) -Preschoolers (3-5): Sleep range widened by one hour to 10-13 hours (previously it was 11-13) -School age children (6-13): Sleep range widened by one hour to 9-11 hours (previously it was 10-11) -Teenagers (14-17): Sleep range widened by one hour to 8-10 hours (previously it was 8.5-9.5) -Younger adults (18-25): Sleep range is 7-9 hours (new age category) -Adults (26-64): Sleep range did not change and remains 7-9 hours -Older adults (65+): Sleep range is 7-8 hours (new age category) Good Luck, and Sweet Dreams!
Anonymous
July 14th, 2019 10:28am
Studies have shown that a minimum of 7 hours is the optimal amount of sleep anyone should get. Of course, every person is different, and some might need more, and some can do well with a little less. Try to test it out, you can do a little experiment. Start with 7 hours of sleep and see how you feel after a certain amount of time, let's say that you do this for two weeks. If you feel tired and have a hard time concentrating, then this might be a sign that 7 hours are not enough. Now you can gradually increase and see how you are starting to feel.
Profile: GermanZebraCupcake
GermanZebraCupcake
July 24th, 2019 12:27am
My understanding is that the recommended amount of hours of sleep depends on one's age for the average. Babies and the elderly will, on average, will need more sleep than the average adult. Some studies have found that teenagers could also use up to 10 hours of sleep sometimes and still be within their recommended amount of sleep. The most important thing is setting a sleep schedule and listen to yourself. Check out when you feel the most rested as well as when you feel the most focused throughout the day. Some people even sleep 6 hours and take a nap in the middle of the day - it all just depends on your personal needs.
Profile: CareBear012303
CareBear012303
July 24th, 2019 5:36pm
This really depends on your age. Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep whereas teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep. Generally, I get anywhere from 7 hours to 10 hours. It really depends on what I've done that day. I've also gotten questions on how can I fall asleep easier. If you have trouble falling asleep, before trying a sleep-aid, try coloring for an hour before you actually go to bed, take a 30 minute walk/run, journal, read, find something that slows your mind down long enough for -you to get those 7-10 hours of sleep that you need to be healthy :)
Anonymous
July 25th, 2019 12:24pm
Scientists and doctors say that you should sleep approximatelly 7 - 8 hours per day, but it can depend also on each individual - everyone needs different amount of sleep. It matters more what quality is your sleep, therefore prepare for sleep well. Don't use computer and don't get triggered just before sleep. Get fresh air into room where you sleep and sleep in complete darkness if possible. It is also important to go to sleep every night at the same time if possible and that this time is at night as people are made to sleep at nights, not at days.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2019 6:38pm
8+ hours is sufficient for most people. But it can also differ from person to person. The recommendation for most is to get at least get 8 hours. Teens can benefit from a little more, as we're still growing. Maybe not height anymore as much, but in width definitely, and in the brain.
Anonymous
September 11th, 2019 2:42pm
Well defiantly not under 5 hours if you are a adult and not under 8 if you are a teen, but sometimes a person needs more because they don't feel very well, even if you aren't sick sometimes an extra 20 minutes can make a difference or maybe just a quick nap. When we are young our bodies are working on a tremendous speed and needs a lot of energy (not energy drinks) so we can save up on sleeping that way. Plus you won't have as deep dark bags under your eyes and will feel probably more refreshed. And it all basically depends on your schedule.
Profile: anonymous9irl
anonymous9irl
September 25th, 2019 12:59am
It differs from person to person. The standard is usually 8 hours I think. But different people need different amounts of sleep for them to feel properly rested. For example, I have a friend who needs 8-9 hours of sleep to feel energised and awake, whereas I can feel the same but with 5-6 hours sleep. It really depends on the person. But if you are feeling very tired quite often, it’s a possibility you could either be sleeping too much or not enough.. sometimes over sleeping can actually make you tired in itself. So I would say it’s definitely worth experimenting with to find what’s best for you and see for yourself :)
Anonymous
October 5th, 2019 2:53pm
The National Sleep Foundation (https://sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/content/how-muchsleep- do-we-really-need-0) recommends a range of 7-9 hours for adults ages 26-64, 7-8 hours for those 65 and older. If you find that 7.5 hours isn't enough for you, add 15 more minutes of sleep to your routine until you find the number that works for you. The most convenient nap for most people is the "power nap," which is 15-20 minutes. This nap is long enough for you to get the benefits of a nap without getting groggy because your brain doesn't enter the state of slow wave sleep. If you nap for 20-60 minutes your brain will enter deeper stages of sleep where your brain will slow down, which can help with memorization and learning. The problem with these naps is that when you wake up, it will take you a while to get out of this deeper state and you'll feel groggy for a while. The best time for you nap is 1PM or 1:30PM for early risers, and 2:30PM or 3PM for late risers. Nap for no more than 20 minutes in order to wake up refreshed and not groggy. If you're sleep deprived, sleep for a full 90-minute cycle, just be careful that it doesn't harm your evening sleep. After your nap, you can expose yourself to sunlight and do some exercise to ensure your circadian rhythms are not disturbed. Source: https://startsleeping.org/
Anonymous
November 21st, 2019 11:33pm
On average you should get approximately 8-10 hours of sleep a night. This number can change greatly depending on your age though. Younger people should get more sleep as their brains and bodies are still developing while older people generally speaking don't need as much sleep as they do get. It is important to get enough sleep so that you can heal and function properly. If you don't get enough sleep this can be bad for not only you but your work production which normally effects others workloads. Please try to get enough sleep each night.
Profile: GUS22M
GUS22M
February 6th, 2020 8:57pm
While they do say it is not so much about the quantity of sleep more the quality of the sleep, I feel everyone is different and while someone will survive on just a few hours of sleep I need 8+ in order to function. As long as it isn't affecting your life be it too much or not enough it is probably the right amount for you. At least experimenting on the amount of sleep you get can't do much harm! Anyone for a lay-in? Personally I sleep with a fan on all night due to me having terrible tinnitus.
Profile: Paprika7
Paprika7
February 26th, 2020 8:26pm
It depends on you and changes from person to person! Usually, most adults need 7 to 9 hours, however, children and teenagers may need even more. Having 9 hours as a healthy adult is normally recommended by many health organisations and is known as the minimum amount of sleep you would need to function optimally, but sleeping more or slightly less isn't bad either, since like I said it changed from person to person.
Profile: PuffPride7
PuffPride7
February 29th, 2020 5:44pm
Eight hours every night is ideal if you're a teen or older (yes, adults too. It's a dangerous myth that adults need less sleep). You can get by on less for a few days or weeks, but it isn't healthy in the long run. Actually, consistently sleeping too little for a long period of time can cause brain damage! Also you will most likely just feel really bad, be tired and cranky all the time, and have hard time focusing an things like school or work, as well as interacting with family and friends. So, eight hours would be the best.
Anonymous
March 13th, 2020 1:16pm
It actually varies from person to person,some like to sleep a lot,some just the regular amount,and some mostly takes naps.But in general from 8-9 h is a normal amount of sleep to function properly for the entire day/life.Not having enough,you soon becoming more anxious,more angry and more sleepy,as you pushing your body to the limit,while it says "Please give sleep,please...",that's extremely unhealthy to sleep less than it's recommended because sleep is just as important as breathing everyday,without much sleep,our brains won't able to process the information correctly and usually productivity during the way will suffer because of not having enough rest.