Health - Wellness
How Much Sleep Should You Get Based On Your Age?
By ANNE TAYLOR
Sleep allows our bodies and brains to rest and lets our immune system recharge by releasing small proteins called cytokines, which fight infection, inflammation, stress, and trauma. It's no surprise that not getting enough sleep has detrimental effects on your health, but how long should you rest each night?
How much sleep you need depends primarily on age; while newborns need a lot of sleep each night, the recommended number gradually decreases as we reach adulthood. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent adverse health effects.
As per the CDC, newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep each night, infants should get 12 to 16 hours, and toddlers should get 11 to 14 hours. Preschool-aged children should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night, school-aged children should get 9 to 12 hours, and teenagers should get 8 to 10 hours.