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How Much Sleep Do I Need, Doc?

Posted by Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA on

This is the question I get asked most commonly. My answer is simple: whatever it takes for you to feel alert, energetic all-day long, every day. For your spouse, it can be 7 hours, for you it can be 7.5 hours. 

In a Consensus Statement published in June 2015 , American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommended 7 or more hours of sleep every night.

1. Sleeping less than 7 hours per night on a regular basis is associated with adverse health outcomes, including weight gain and obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, depression, and increased risk of death. Sleeping less than 7 hours per night is also associated with impaired immune function, increased pain, impaired performance, increased errors, and greater risk of accidents.

2. Sleeping more than 9 hours per night on a regular basis may be appropriate for young adults, individuals recovering from sleep debt, and individuals with illnesses. For others, it is uncertain whether sleeping more than 9 hours per night is associated with health risk.

3. People concerned they are sleeping too little or too much should consult their healthcare provider.

Please make necessary adjustment in your life and your work so that you can get sound sleep of seven hours every night. Your mind, body, soul, and your family will appreciate it.

Sweet Dreams! God Bless!

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