The frontiers of sleep science are forever being pushed forward as we understand more and more about what are bodies require to stay in peak fitness and how we use rest to recover.
Just in time for the new school year and that back-to-work period at the end of summer, The National Sleep Foundation has published updated statistics for recommended amounts of sleep for nine different age groups.
This research was carried out by an expert panel of 18 scientists and researchers and took two years to perform. Of course, at Bedpost we understand that we’re all built differently and just as we all prefer a different type of mattress and pillow combination, we all survive healthily on slightly different levels of sleep.
But the NSF’s rigorous review of more than 300 publications as well as combined skillsets of their expert panel gives a good starting point on which to base your sleep health.
So if you’re feeling drowsy at your desk during your workday or your kids are finding it tough to concentrate at school, it’s good to know the recommended hours of sleep for each age group. This new research has also included a sleep-range which is slightly wider than the recommended hours to recognise that some individuals can work well on slightly more or less sleep than the norm, and has divided the adult age-range into three categories.
Older adults (65+)
Recommended range is 7-8 hours although between 5 and 9 may be appropriate for some older adults.
Adults aged 26-64
Recommended range is 7-9 hours although between 6 and 10 may be appropriate for some adults.
Young adults aged 18-25
Recommended range is 7-9 hours although between 6 and 11 may be appropriate for some young adults.
Teenagers aged 14-17
Recommended range has changed from 8.5-9.5 hours to 8-10 hours although between 7 and 11 may be appropriate for some teens.
Children aged 6-13
Recommended range has changed from 10-11 hours to 9-11 hours although between 7 and 12 may be appropriate for some school-age children.
Pre-school children aged 3-5
Recommended range has changed from 11-13 hours to 10-13 hours although between 8 and 14 may be appropriate for some pre-schoolers.
Toddlers aged 1-2
Recommended range has changed from 12-14 hours to 11-14 hours although between 9 and 16 may be appropriate for some toddlers.
Infants aged 4-11 months
Recommended range has changed from 14-15 hours to 12-15 hours although between 10 and 18 may be appropriate for some infants.
Newborns aged 0-3 months
Recommended range has changed from 12-18 hours to 14-17 hours although between 11 and 19 may be appropriate for some newborn babies.
At Bedpost, we understand everyone has their own individual needs when it comes to sleeping well – that’s why we advise you to come in and sleep test our beds and pillows. For more information on your nearest Bedpost store or to discuss the right mattress, pillow and base combination for your personal requirements contact us on 0800 233 767 or Live Chat or email us via the website.
