How Much Sleep do you Actually Need?

How much sleep is enough? How much is too much? How much is too less? The sleep debate is one that goes on endlessly.

We are sure these questions must have played on your mind at some point in time. So that you don’t lose sleep over how much sleep is essential, we are going to shatter myths and put forth facts. Read on and clear all misconceptions about sleep and its importance in our day-to-day functioning.

1. The Power of Sleep

We all feel that we have better things to do than sleep. But the truth is that to do things better, you need to rest (sleep). While you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing a wide variety of biological maintenance functions that keep you running in top condition. Without enough hours of restorative sleep, you’re like a stereo that needs fixing. If you skip your required dosage of sleep every day, you will head for a physical and mental breakdown.

2. When to sleep

Some of us think that the lack of sleep at night can be made up by sleeping during the day. Butsleeping during the night and staying awake at night is not how your body is designed to function. As per biology, at night, your body responds to the loss of daylight by producing melatonin - a hormone that makes you sleepy. During the day, sunlight triggers the brain to stop melatonin production so you feel awake and alert. In case you prefer to stay awake at night, we advise you to pay heed to this information and change your sleep schedule.

3. How much sleep do you need daily?

7.5 hours – 9 hours. This is the number of hours that adults must spend sleeping every night. The reason why this number is important is because the brain re-energises your body while you sleep. If you sleep any less, the brain cannot complete its night time duties and as a result you are not able to give your best during the day. No matter how tight your schedule is, do try to get the minimum amount of sleep.

We have given you enough gyaan on sleep and it's merits. Hope you give sleep the importance it deserves and spend sufficient time in bed. Sleeping.

Source: (Health, MensXP.com)