If you ask a random person on the street how many hours of sleep they believe they should get per night, they will almost always say eight. But where did this gold standard come from in the first place? And is this even true?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once you’ve beyond the teenage years, you need “7 or more” hours of sleep per night. Once you reach the age of 61, they change their recommendation to 7 to 9 hours. However, the CDC emphasizes that this is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. According to their advice, you should not only consider the length of your sleep, but also the quality of your sleep. They advise that waking up frequently during the night and snoring or gasping for air are symptoms of poor sleep quality. 

If you don’t have a sleep issue, it’s likely that you just have poor sleep hygiene. The CDC suggests the following steps to enhance your sleeping habits:

• The importance of consistency cannot be overstated. Put yourself to bed and get up at the same times every night and every morning, including weekends.
• Make sure your bedroom is tranquil, dark, and cozy.
• All electrical gadgets, including televisions, computers, and cellphones, should be removed from the bedroom.
• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before going to bed.
• Make a concerted attempt to get some exercise. Physical activity during the day can help you sleep better at night.

A consistent sleep pattern suggests that a person is concerned about other aspects of their physical health. According to the CDC, people who receive the proper amount of sleep are less likely to get sick, have an easier time maintaining a healthy weight, have less stress and a better mood, and think more clearly (thus doing better at work and school).

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