How Much Sleep Do Adults Really Need?
A joint AASM and Sleep Research Society consensus recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night; the National Sleep Foundation suggests 7 to 9 hours for most adults and 7 to 8 for older adults. Needs vary a little by person.
Key points
- The recommendations. The AASM and SRS consensus statement says adults should regularly sleep seven or more hours per night for good health.
- Individual variation. Some people function well on slightly less or more.
- What counts. Time asleep, not time in bed. Regular timing matters too.
The recommendations
The AASM and SRS consensus statement says adults should regularly sleep seven or more hours per night for good health. The National Sleep Foundation panel recommends 7 to 9 hours for ages 18 to 64 and 7 to 8 for 65 and over.
Individual variation
Some people function well on slightly less or more. Daytime alertness and mood are better guides than a fixed number.
What counts
Time asleep, not time in bed. Regular timing matters too.
Frequently asked questions
Is six hours enough?
Usually not for long-term health, according to the consensus statement.
Do older adults need less?
Slightly less on average, but not much.
Sources
- Watson NF, et al. Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: a joint consensus statement of the AASM and Sleep Research Society. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(6):591–592. PubMed
- Hirshkowitz M, et al. National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. Sleep Health 2015;1(1):40–43. PubMed
- CDC. About sleep: how much sleep do I need? Source
Links go to PubMed searches for the paper title or to the official guideline or regulator page. Standards and regulations are revised, so check the current edition before relying on them. Mattress and pillow research is limited; treat findings as a starting point.
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