Sleep deprivation has become an increasingly common affliction in the US, where at least 35% of adults report sleeping for less than seven hours a day. Sleep is a vital component of our well-being, and getting the right amount of rest each night allows you to feel focused, energized, and adequately equipped to take on the day’s challenges.
So how much sleep do you need, and how many days can you go without sleep before you really start to feel its effects? Here’s everything you need to know about why sleep makes up such an integral part of our lives, and how we can ensure we’re getting the right amount of rest every night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poor Sleep
There are a ton of risks associated with poor sleeping, and it’s important to be aware of how much sleep you actually require, and what your risk by staying awake late into the night.
Here are a couple of frequently asked questions about sleep:
1. How much sleep do I need?
Most healthy adults require anywhere between seven to eight hours of sleep each night to function properly. That being said, your personal requirement of sleep can vary from this average, so your best bet is to use a sleep calculator that tells you the different times you might be able to go to bed and still wake up feeling refreshed.
2. How many days can you go without sleep?
The longest period of time an adult has gone without sleep is over 11 consecutive days, for 264 hours. The effects of sleep deprivation start to show with just one day of poor sleep, however, and can result in poorer focus, irritability, and even hallucinations.
3. Can you survive without sleep?
Studies show people who get less sleep on average are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including obesity, diabetes, strokes, and even heart disease.
People who aren’t getting enough sleep also tend to be at an increased risk of poor mental health, with higher statistics for mood disorders such as anxiety and depression being concurrent with poor sleep.
Long-term sleep deprivation can therefore lead to debilitating, life-shortening illnesses.
4. What happens when I get the right amount of sleep?
Proper sleep can be life-changing. Not only will you find yourself with more energy and focus to devote to different tasks, but it can also allow better mood regulation, and boost athletic ability.
How To Get A Proper Night’s Sleep
Now that you know the importance of a proper night’s sleep, it’s important to try and make sure you’re set up for success. Some key changes to make for a better night’s sleep include:
- Keep your bedroom set for comfort: A comfortable bedroom can make all the difference to the quality of your sleep. To make sure your bedroom is ideal for a good night’s sleep, be sure to check you have the most comfortable mattress for your sleep and have set temperatures nice and cool.
- Set a consistent bedtime to follow each night: Your body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, responds best to a schedule. By sticking to the same sleep time every night, you’ll find it a lot easier to catch up on your rest.
- Stay away from blue light in the evening: Try your best to keep your room a device-free zone. The blue light present in your phones, laptops, and other devices, can disrupt the melatonin production in your brain, and make it harder to fall asleep.
With the help of these tips, you should be able to catch up on the sleep you really deserve. All you have to do is make time for sleep - the rest will follow naturally.
