How much sleep do you need

How Much Sleep do you Need?

Did you know the quality of your nightly sleep can affect mental and physical health and general well-being? Sleep can impact the way your body and minds functions, your creativity, vitality, and even weight. But how much sleep do you actually need?

Make sleep a priority

As we all scramble to fit everything in modern life is busier than ever, and giving up sleep might seem like the solution to allow you to achieve more in a single day, but missing out on sleep will take its toll.

Even minimal sleep loss (one or two hours a night) can substantially impact your mood, energy levels, mental acuity, and ability to handle stress. Long-term chronic sleep loss can cause havoc.

Why do we need to sleep?

When you're asleep, your body rests, but your brain stays busy, overseeing the biological maintenance that keeps your body running smoothly, allowing you to recover and prepare for the next day.

Without enough sleep recovery time, your body struggles to work, learn, create, and communicate effectively. Addressing sleep problems can significantly improve your energy, efficiency, and overall health. 

Sleep needs are individual – just like you

As any new parent knows, there is a considerable difference in your ability to function when only getting a few hours a night compared to a full night's sleep.

Research suggests that the average adult sleeps less than seven hours a night, which is not enough time to allow full recovery from a busy day. You might think that seven hours seems likely plenty of rest, but it's actually a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation.

How much should we be sleeping each night?

While sleep requirements vary between individuals, most healthy adults generally need seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night, and children and teens need even more. 

Deep sleep and REM sleep – quality and quantity

Not all sleep is equal, and if you are having difficulty getting to sleep or are restless during the night, you may need to take steps to improve your sleep quality.

If you have trouble waking up in the morning or staying alert all day, you might not be spending enough time in the different stages of sleep.

Does any of this sound familiar?

  • You need an alarm clock to wake up on time.
  • You rely on the snooze button.
  • You find it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
  • You feel exhausted in the afternoon.
  • You get sleepy in meetings or warm rooms.
  • You get drowsy after heavy meals or when driving.
  • You consistently need to nap to get through the day.
  • You fall asleep while watching TV in the evening.
  • You take weekend naps.
  • Fall asleep within five minutes of going to bed.

If any of these sound familiar, you may be sleep deprived.


How to get the sleep you need

The following sleep tips might help you improve your overall sleep habits.

  • Create a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night. Aim to be in bed before 10 pm if possible.
  • Exercise. The benefits of regular exercise are overwhelmingly positive. Aim for 30 minutes or more of activity on most days or set yourself a goal of hitting 10,000 steps daily.
  • Avoid stimulants before bed. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods can all disrupt your sleep. Opt for a calming herbal tea instead.
  • Ask for help. If your stress contributes to poor sleep, make an appointment with a counselor. They can help you create strategies to manage your stress, which will help improve your sleep.
  • Improve your sleep environment. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and make sure your bedsheets are high quality
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Turn off devices at least two hours before bed. Avoid work and stressful conversations late at night. Calm your mind by taking a warm bath, burning some essential oils, or practicing a relaxation techniqueto prepare for sleep.
  • Write down your worries. If anxiety is waking you up during the night, keep a pen and paper next to your bed so you can write down your fears. Writing down and acknowledging worries can reduce anxiety and allow you to go back to sleep.

Choose OLARA bamboo sheets

Slip between luxuriously soft bamboo sheets and nestle down to sleep, surrounded by comfort and beauty. Sleep will overwhelm you in an instant. The silky feel of our bamboo bed sheets will lull you into sleep, allowing you to relax and rest until morning.

Explore our range today and find a new level of luxury.

Back to blog