You may have heard the age old folk that you need eight hours of sleep each night to function properly. However, the truth is that the number of hours we require changes with how we age. There is no one-size-fits-all rule for sleeping but it is encouraged to aim for the recommended hours of sleep for your age bracket.

Infants need the most amount of sleep, anywhere between 14 and 17 hours of sleep each day to be precise. This is because when newborns are catching a shut eye, they are growing both mentally and physically. Toddlers require a sleeping schedule of 11 to 14 hours since they are more active now and are on the path of discovering new things every day.

School going children should sleep between 9 to 11 hours on a daily basis. They now have more activities to perform (exams/extra-curriculars) so it is vital for them to feel rested and energetic. Teenagers need anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of sleep. However, they are usually prone to be more sleep deprived than other age groups since their changing hormones may get in the way of a peaceful night of sleep.

Young adults as well as those above the age of 65 need sleep of 7 to 9 hours to perform their level best. However, adults 65+ may find it difficult to sleep as they will be going through different bodily changes, like menopause. Different medications can also have an adverse impact on their sleeping schedule and may cause them to feel insomniac.

No matter what age bracket, it is necessary for individuals to have recommended hours of sleep as during our slumber we grow muscles and release hormones that are beneficial for our bodies and minds. A lack of sleep can lead to a number of illnesses and can even shorten one’s life expectancy.