Sleep is Important for Everyone, Not Just Children

It’s imperative to get enough sleep at night. Just like it’s vital to eat healthy foods and exercise, sleeping is important for our overall health.

When we’re children, our parents often enforce us to go to bed for a certain number of hours so that we’re energized for school and play. However, as we gain independence and enter other phases of life, many people neglect getting enough sleep. Here is why it is important to get an adequate amount of sleep in all phases of life.

Sleep in Childhood

When you’re a child, sleep is important because it helps kids’ attention, memory, behavior and physical health. Whereas infants should sleep 12 to 16 hours, that number slowly decreases as kids get older, but still, kids of all ages must get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group.

 …as a Teenager

Teenagers need to get 8-10 hours of rest a night. Even though many teenagers rebel and want to sleep in and go to bed late, it’s crucial that teenagers maintain a regular sleep schedule because commitments like school prohibit them from sleeping in. When this happens, teenagers are lacking in sleep, which will make them sleep-deprived. To avoid declining health and falling behind in school, teenagers should sleep regularly.

…as a Young Adult

Young adults need to sleep because of the same reasons that children need to rest: it regulates their mood and gives them more energy. However, there have been studies that show that a lack of sleep leads to problems like heart disease. So, young adults should be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

…as an Adult

Adults have extra stressors like work, kids and other uncontrollable life events. This makes it even more crucial for adults to sleep well every night. Like a lack of sleep could lead to problems like heart disease, a lack of sleep can also lead to strokes and obesity. To avoid these conditions, getting 7-9 hours of sleep is important.

…as an Elderly Person

As we age, we still have to keep our health in mind. Elderly people are at a higher risk for developing conditions like dementia, and when you don’t get enough shut eye, your risk of getting dementia is higher. To avoid putting themselves at risk, elderly people should get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. 

Sleep is incredibly important for functioning well in everyday life. Sufficient rest can help safeguard against chronic health problems, mental and emotional health decline and infections. Be sure to prioritize getting the right amount of sleep at every stage of life to reap the benefits of adequate rest. If you or your loved one is having trouble sleeping, visit with a doctor at Center for Family Medicine. We’re here for you.