To maintain a healthy lifestyle you can workout, eat a balanced meal, and drink water, but people usually don’t think of sleep as a part of this equation. Truth is, sleep is vital for everyone, from toddlers to adults. We know that sleep is necessary but some aren’t consciously aware of how much sleep they are getting or need. There are many benefits of sleep and not getting enough may be detrimental to your health.
Below is the recommended amount of sleep by age from The National Sleep Foundation:
|
Newborns (0-3 months old) |
14-17 hours |
|
Infants (4-11 months old) |
12-15 Hours |
|
Toddlers (1-2 years old) |
11-14 Hours |
|
Pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) |
10-13 Hours |
|
School-aged Children (6-13 years old) |
9-11 Hours |
|
Teens (14-17 years old) |
8-10 Hours |
|
Young Adults (18-25) |
7-9 Hours |
|
Adults (26-64) |
7-9 Hours |
|
Older Adults (65+) |
7-8 Hours |
One obvious benefit of sleep is increased energy. Sleep helps rejuvenate the body and mind and in turn you are more alert and refreshed the next morning. Running low on sleep leads to less productivity and can interfere with learning.
Sleep also helps regulate hormones. The hormones released during sleep control growth (which is especially important in infants), metabolism, your appetite, and also help repair cells and tissues. Not getting enough sleep can play a factor in obesity, a weakened immune system, and other health conditions.
Because sleep is a natural part of our daily routine, we tend to overlook its benefits but we feel the impact of not getting enough sleep or having a bad night’s rest. This is why it’s important to not only get enough sleep but to get quality sleep. If you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, you will feel groggy in the morning. You must go into deep and REM sleep for your mind and body to be able to restore. If you're having trouble sleeping or suffering from insomnia, you should consult a professional.
For those who want to try a remedy for better sleep, you can look into essential oils. Lavender and chamomile are popular scents that help relax the mind. We also have a Relax and Breathe Synergy blend. You can try different mixes until you find your perfect combination.
Research has shown that sleep promotes a healthier and happier life and plays a major role in a child's development. Though napping can not replace sleeping, The National Sleep Foundation says taking a 20-30 minute nap improves performance by 34% and alertness by 100% - so don't shy away from taking a nap if needed. We hope now you understand the benefits of getting enough sleep. Let us know what tricks you might use to get a good night's rest. Happy snoozing!
