Sleep often gets pushed to the side in favor of more pressing to-dos.
But cutting your sleep too short can be dangerous for your health.
Whenever someone answers Six hours or less, a little red flag goes up in my mind.
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What many people dont realize is how criticalsleepis for overall health and well-being.
Importance of Sleep for Health and Well-Being
Sleep is a biological necessity.
We spend approximately one-third of our lives asleep.
Plus there are brain benefits to sleep.
Feeling a bit more irritable or emotional than usual?
You might need more sleep.
Research indicates that we often have an increased appetite and eat more calories when we’re sleep-deprived.
Finally, regular sleep keeps ourimmune systemstrong and healthy.
Research on adolescents found that those who slept less than six hours nightly were more likely to get sick.
Is 6 Hours of Sleep Enough?
Lack of sleep is more than just feeling tired.
It significantly impacts neurological pathways, impairing attention, memory, alertness, decision-making and reaction time.
So rethink pulling an all-nighter before a big exam or presentation.
Signs and symptoms ofsleep deprivationinclude:
Being sleep-deprived can also be incredibly dangerous.
Strategies for Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is incredibly important for your overall health and well-being.
Experts recommend adults aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.
Regularly getting six or less hours of sleep can have detrimental effects on physical, mental and emotional health.
Insufficient sleep increases the risk of accidents, errors, illnesses and health conditions.
Prioritizing quality sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Experts recommend a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health and well-being.
Experts recommend a goal of seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Less than seven hours of sleep is not recommended.
If you have trouble sleeping, consult with your doctor for medical advice.
If you are chronically sleep-deprived, eventually your body will force you to sleep.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Are Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency?
2021;4(1):1304. doi:10.1038/s42003-021-02825-4
