How Long Should We Sleep for According to Our Age?

Most of us will be familiar that we should be sleeping up to 8 hours a night. However, what most of us don’t know that the actual amount of slumber we need can differ depending on our stage in life. So, in this blog we will be answering how long we should sleep according to our age.  

Babies

Despite most new parent’s dread, new-borns from 0-3 months require the most amount of sleep. Though there is no guaranteeing this will be through the night (unless you hit the jackpot) there recommended amount of sleep for a new-born is 14 – 17 hours.

 Infants

From 4 – 11 months infants’ brains are developing rapidly, and though at this age we need slightly less kip, we should still aim for around 12-15 hours.

 Toddlers

Between the ages of 1 – 2 years, our sleep routine should start to establish. Day time naps will be essential to ensure they receive the recommended 11-14 hours of sleep.

Preschool

Between the ages of 3-5 years children will benefit from getting between 10-13 hours.

Children

Once children, between the ages of 6-13 years, reach school age the amount of slumber becomes slightly more aligned with the golden 8 hours. Children should aim for 9-11 hours.

Teens

Ever wondered why teens are always tired, particularly on a morning? Between the ages of 14 – 17 years our bodies and brains are growing and developing all the time, which sounds tiring! To sustain this rapid growth teens should get between 8- 10 hours.

 Young Adults

Between the ages of 18 – 25 years, possibly the busiest times in our social and work lives. Young adults should aim for between 7-9 hours a night.

Adults

Between the ages of 25 – 64 most of us have busy work lives and what can seem like endless responsibilities. Adults of this age group need to aim for between 7 – 9 hours of sleep.

Older Adults

Once we hit the golden years 65+, typically this is when we need the least amount of sleep. Try to aim for 7-8 hours.

 All the sleep guidelines outlined on this blog were found by visiting https://thesleepcharity.org.uk

For more information regarding sleep read here.

What is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a common phenomenon. It is thought that up to 1 in 5 children will sleepwalk at one time or another, and it can begin at almost any age. Whilst most children will grow out of it, some can carry on sleep walking into adulthood. The extremity of sleep walking can differ from person to person.

What happens when we sleepwalk?

As we have already mentioned, the level of sleepwalking can vary depending on the sleeper. Some people may just walk into a different room. Some people may even perform daily activities such as eating, getting dressed or showering. In the most severe cases some sleepers have been known to drive vehicles and have even claimed to of been sleep walking during the committing of a crime.

Should you wake a sleepwalker?

Most of us have heard the warning that you should never wake a sleepwalker. The reasons for this are valid. Shouting or abruptly waking a person who is sleepwalking may be a bad idea as this may provoke a physical reaction.

While this can be said with some truth, there are other factors that are worth considering. The most important thing is safety, this should be prioritised above fear of waking a sleepwalker. If someone is in danger whilst sleepwalking, the advice from the NHS website is to gentle guide the sleepwalker back to bed.

 

What are Lucid Dreams?

It is thought that up to 55% of Adults have experienced lucid dreams. So, what exactly are they? Essentially this is where you can achieve a state of consciousness whilst being in a dream state. To put it simply you are awake in your dream.

What Happens in Lucid Dreams?

In a lucid dream the sleeper may be able to control certain events and direct characters and movements to a certain extent. However, this is not to be confused with dream control. 

Dream Control – dream control is the practice of acting out dreams when you are awake. The reason for this, is so that the sleeper can attempt to manipulate what their dreams will be. This can have many benefits. For instance, practicing a skill in your dream can be proven to improve that skill in day to day life.

Who is likely to have this Type of Dream?

Whilst anyone can have a lucid dream, some research has suggested that those who are experiencing high stress and anxiety may be more prone. It has been also theorised that those of us who tend to be more creative may be more susceptible to having lucid dreams also. 

You may want to read some other blogs revolving sleep and our environment. Check them out here.

 

3 Great Sleep Podcasts

Podcasts are becoming more popular.  There are lots of genres choose from. From comedy to true crime, although we do not recommend the latter just before bed! We have been exploring some highly rated podcasts and we have narrowed down our top 3 below.

Planet Sleep

Planet Sleep’s podcast host Josh Thomas has put his soothing voice to great use. He creates a truly relaxing and immersive expierience. Combining soothing music and the tranquil sounds of nature. Whilst the content is not currently being renewed, the topics that are available to choose from range from space to spiritual journeys. As a result, we think this is a great podcast to listen to before bed.

4.8 stars on Apple Podcasts

 Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/planet-sleep-relaxing-nature-stories-sounds/id1573462096

Boring Books for Bedtime

Usually this wouldn’t be the most tempting title for a podcast. But if you are looking for something to put you to sleep then what could be better! Released weekly, the hosts use slow pace and monotonous tones to bore you to sleep. Mind numbing topics include art needlework and household management.

4.5 stars on Apple Podcasts

 Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/boring-books-for-bedtime-readings-to-help-you-sleep/id1438351534

Slow Radio – BBC Radio 3

Slow Radio is a celebration of soothing sounds. Listen to the calming tones of nature and the sounds of the earth. Episode topics do vary, but focus manly on nature. For instance, the ‘whale song’ is known to help you drift off into a peaceful sleep. Described as an escapist podcast, offering more than just ASMR.

4.6 stars on Apple Podcasts

Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/slow-radio/id1297180610

For more helpful tips on how to promote mindfulness and better sleep check out our blog on meditation and Sleep.