How Much Sleep Do You Need?

There is no answer to answer this. Many people quote seven to eight hours a night as the desired optimum. But the truth is it really does depend on what stage of your life you are at. Newborn babies, for instance seem to need around 16 to 17 hours sleep a night, and children need gradually less as they get older. Teen only needs eight to nine hours sleep at night. 

What happens when you sleep?

• Getting enough sleep is crucial to our physical and mental well-being. A lot of things happen while you are sleeping-mainly in the brain. It is as if your body needs that time to stay on top of everything, process memories and catch up with the filling.

Getting enough sleep at night is very important for health.

How to get better sleep?

• Do not panic- Worrying about not sleeping is self-defeating and will probably make your problem worse.
• Consistency- Go to bed at the same time every night to get your body into the habit of sleeping at the same time.
• Develop a winding down routine- Take a warm bath, listen to the music read and turn off the lights.
• Cut down on caffeine- Avoid caffeinated drinks in the evening.
• Do not eat a heavy meal close to bedtime- This can cause indigestion, bloating and heartburn, which will keep you awake. 
• Avoid alcohol before bed- While a nightcap may help you relax and fall asleep faster, it interferes with your sleep cycle once you’re out. To optimize the quality of your sleep, stay away from alcohol in the hours leading up to your bedtime.

Use this checklist to track your progress using these self-help tips to improve your sleep.