The ideal amount of sleep needed per night varies by age, but most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for optimal health and functioning. Here is a breakdown of recommended sleep durations by age group, based on guidelines from organizations like the National Sleep Foundation:

Sleep Recommendations by Age:
Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
School-Age Children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
Young Adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours
Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours
Older Adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours
Factors That Influence Sleep Needs:
Age: As seen above, younger individuals generally need more sleep as their bodies and brains are still developing.
Lifestyle: People who are very active, pregnant, or recovering from illness may need more sleep.
Individual Differences: Some individuals may feel refreshed with less than 7 hours of sleep, while others need closer to 9 hours to function well.
Sleep Quality: Poor-quality sleep, marked by frequent disruptions, may increase the need for more sleep to feel fully rested.
While 7 to 9 hours is the ideal range for most adults, it’s important to listen to your body. Chronic sleep deprivation, or getting less than the recommended amount, can lead to cognitive decline, increased risk of health problems (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes), and impaired mental and emotional well-being.