How Much Sleep Do Adults Need? Good sleep is vital for our health, but the question is, how much sleep? Let us tell you how much sleep a person needs.

How much sleep is necessary for our body?

How Many Hours of Sleep Is Healthy? Are you sleeping more than you need and don't even realize it? Seven to nine hours of sleep is typically recommended for adults, but new research suggests otherwise. Experts now believe that seven hours of continuous sleep is optimal for most adults, not only for waking up refreshed but also for maintaining long-term physical and mental health. Let's tell you how long you shouldn't sleep. 

Why is 7 hours of sleep the best?

A large study published in Nature Aging analyzed the sleep of nearly 500,000 people aged 38 to 73. The study found that those who regularly slept for seven hours had better memory, decision-making, and cognitive abilities. They also had more stable moods and fewer mental problems. The research also revealed that those who slept too little or too much were at greater risk of anxiety, depression, and decreased mental capacity.

Similarly, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 60 sleep at least 7 hours daily. Sleeping less than this increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, weakened immune systems, and depression.

Is 9 hours of sleep too much?

Sleeping more after illness or excessive fatigue is not harmful, but if you need 9 hours or more every day, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Some studies have found that people who sleep excessively for long periods of time may have an increased risk of inflammation, slowed thinking, and depression.

It has also been observed that people who habitually sleep more than 9 hours have a slightly higher risk of death in the long term. However, this does not mean that excessive sleep is always harmful. But if you feel tired even after sleeping 9 hours, the reason may be sleep quality or an underlying disease.

What happens to people who sleep less?

For those who sleep only 5 to 6 hours a day, the effects are gradual. Lack of sleep can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and a weakened immune system. Long-term sleep deprivation also increases the risk of metabolic diseases, heart problems, and obesity. Many people try to catch up on sleep by sleeping more on weekends, but research shows that irregular sleep can also be harmful. If sleep and wake times vary daily, the body's internal clock, the circadian rhythm, is disrupted. This can increase the risk of many health problems, including liver and heart disease. Some studies have found a 26 percent higher risk of stroke and heart attack in such individuals.

Regularity is the most important thing in sleep.

Experts say that just as important as sleep duration is its regularity. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day keeps the body balanced, which improves mood, immunity, and overall health. While both 7 and 9 hours of sleep are considered optimal, current evidence suggests that 7 hours of continuous, uninterrupted sleep is most beneficial for mental sharpness and longevity.