SLEEP IS A SUPER POWER!

Did you know that sleep is a super power?  It’s the body’s way of resetting your brain and your body. Sleep has an impact on your ability to think, maintain attention, learn, and control your emotions. A lack of sleep takes a significant toll on your psychological well-being and your mental health.  People who are sleep deprived often exhibit extreme reactions to mildly stressful events. Research has shown that when people have less than 6.5 hours of sleep, there is a significantly higher risk of multiple mental health and physical problems. So, if you are feeling like you can’t think straight, are having difficulties focusing, learning, paying attention or being overly reactive, it may be a signal you are not getting enough sleep!

According to the National Sleep Foundation there is no exact number of hours that is right for every lifestyle, but there is a range of hours important at different ages:

Newborns: (0-3 months) 14 and 17 hours including daytime naps; newborns rarely sleep through the night.

Older infants (4-11 months) – 12 to 15 hours of sleep each day. 

Toddlers: (1-2 years old), – 11 and 14 hours of sleep each night.

Preschoolers: (3-5 years) – 10 to 13 hours each night

School-age kids: (6-13 years) – 9 to 11 hours each night.

Teens (14-17 years) – 8 to 10 hours each night.

Adults:  (18 to 64) – 7 to 9 hours each night

(65+) 7 to 8  hours is recommended.

 So, make sure you are getting enough zzzzzzz’s tonight.

Written by Dr. Sandra Mendlowitz Ph.D., C. Psych.