Health and Nutrition
How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? The Ideal Hours for a Longer, Healthier Life
Experts reveal the optimal sleep duration to boost longevity and prevent chronic illness- plus simple tips to improve your nightly rest.
- Yitzhak Eitan
- פורסם י"ג חשון התשפ"ה
(Photo: shutterstock) #VALUE!
We all know that quality sleep is essential for our health, but many may not be aware that it directly impacts life expectancy as well. Sleeping too little can lead to serious health issues, but oversleeping isn’t ideal either. If you're wondering about the right amount of sleep to maintain optimal health, here are some helpful guidelines.
Dr. Dan Friedrich, a popular physician on social media, emphasizes that not following the recommended sleep duration can shorten your lifespan. He explains that many people tend to skip hours of sleep and push through the day while tired, but this habit harms the body in the long run.
Experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 to 9 hours each night. Dr. Friedrich says that it's important to get at least 6 hours of sleep and avoid exceeding 9 hours, as any deviation from this range can have negative health consequences. Factors such as stress, daily overload, and even security concerns can affect our sleep quality and harm our health if we fall into unbalanced sleep patterns.
Additionally, Dr. Friedrich advises avoiding phone use or screen time before bed to prevent overstimulation of the brain. Instead, it's best to clear the mind of stressful thoughts and create a calming bedtime routine.
A comprehensive study conducted by University College London tracked around 7,800 people aged 50 and over and found a clear link between sleep deprivation and increased risk of chronic illness. According to lead researcher Dr. Severine Sabia, the older we get, the more essential it becomes to address sleep as part of chronic disease prevention. These illnesses are especially common among people who sleep less than the recommended amount.
Ideal conditions for restful sleep include maintaining a dark, quiet sleep environment, practicing good sleep hygiene, ensuring the room is a comfortable temperature, and engaging in daily physical activity. It’s also best to avoid heavy meals and electronic devices close to bedtime.
