There is no doubt that adult sleep is not only important for rest but also for productivity at work. While most sleep studies have come up with the figure of 8 hours as ideal for sleep, there are many factors that determine the length of sleep. Age is the main factor that determines the length sleep.
Adult Sleep: Needs Based on Age
Adult Sleep: Needs Based on AgeInfants that are 1 to 4 months old sleep for close to 22 hours in a day. These hours reduce as the baby becomes aware of the environment. Just like in childhood, adult sleep hours differ at different stages of adulthood.
Adult sleep is heavily influenced by the psychological state associated with different adult ages. In the early twenties, most of the people have very few responsibilities and therefore happier leading to longer hours of sleep. Adult sleep in late 20s is generally short because of the busy work schedule.
Adult sleep in the late 40s is longer as most of the adults here have settled down in life. In the 60s, the sleep of adults is shorter because of old age diseases and changes.
In general, healthy senior citizens sleep for long hours. Occupation influences adult’s sleep. People who do manual work tend to sleep easily and longer because their muscles time needs to recover. During pregnancy, sleep needs are increased because of the hormonal changes.
It has always been assumed that 8 hours are perfect for adults enough sleep. This number is only an average and reference number; it does not necessarily apply to everyone. Sleep in adults becomes even more individual when you add the gene-factor. Adult sleep needs are coded in the genes. Based on genes, there people that are described as long-sleepers and short-sleepers.
Adult Sleep: Tips on How to Determine Needs
Firstly, you need to set time aside to do this sleep study. This adult is best done for one or two week during the holiday. You then have to choose your ideal sleeping time and stick to it every night. For the first few days, allow yourself to sleep freely so as to pay sleep debt.
After the sleep debt has been paid, mark the time you enter your bed and when you wake up. If you have a bed partner, ask them to start the timer as soon as you fall asleep. Be sure to stop the clock when you wake up.
Write down the number of hours you sleep for a number of days and calculate the average. The answer you get is your ideal sleep length. Of course a more accurate figure can be determined in an adult sleep laboratory.
The Adult Sleep Debt
Sleeping is a must for human being. When a person does not get enough sleep, a sleep debt/deficit is created. Just like other debts, sleep debt must be paid at one point. Adult sleep debt is paid in the following ways:
- Napping.
- Sleeping early.
- Sleeping for extra hours.
Again, just like other debts, not paying sleep debt has consequences:
- Extreme daytime sleepiness.
- Tiredness and general fatigue.
- Poor concentration.
- Drowsy driving that can lead to accidents.
Important Adult Sleep Tips
- Sleep and wake up at the same time everyday.
- Coffee should be avoided in the hours leading to sleep.
- Schedule your exercises at least five hours before bedtime.