We all know we need enough sleep. But what is “enough” sleep? The amount of adequate sleep changes with age. In general, the average daily amount of sleep needed is:
– Birth to three months old: 14-17 hours
– Four to 12 months old: 12-16 hours
– One to five years old: 10 to 14 hours
– Six to 12 years old: 9 to 12 hours
– 13 to 18 years old: 8 to 10 hours
– 18 years and older: 7 to 9 hours (1)
When we aren’t getting an average of the recommended daily sleep, we experience sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can be short term, or it can be a chronic condition lasting weeks or months. Usually, short stints of sleep deprivation aren’t a major problem, but research shows that chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to many other health issues.
It’s important to note that insomnia and sleep deprivation are different. Insomnia is when you want to sleep but cannot. Sleep deprivation is when you don’t give yourself enough time to sleep, don’t get enough hours of sleep, or a combination of both (1).
A night or two of less-than-optimal sleep will leave you tired, groggy, and cranky! But long-term effects of sleep deprivation may impact many systems of the body, including the central nervous system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system. Insufficient sleep may impact how your brain functions, including your ability to remember, process information, and regulate emotion and attention. Some evidence shows a link between sleep deprivation and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (1). Sleep deprivation is also linked to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression (2).
Furthermore, people with chronic sleep deprivation are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They are also more prone to illness as the body’s immune system is suppressed when it’s unable to get adequate sleep and recovery.
“Amazing, my sleep has really improved. It’s easy to get back to sleep if I wake in the night as well. I see huge improvements on my sleep tracker as well and am feeling so much better!”
– Ellie B.
What causes sleep deprivation?
There are many causes of sleep deprivation. Most are due to circumstances of life. These include: shift work, alcohol use, stimulants, bad sleep hygiene, high stress levels and traveling or sleeping in new places. Sometimes medical situations may also affect sleep such as sleep apnea, insomnia, medications, and other sleep disorders (1). You may need a doctor to diagnose a medical sleep condition. They will usually prescribe a medication to help with sleep (3) and/or conduct tests to see if a device is needed to help promote better sleep (as in the case of sleep apnea).
However, these over the counter and prescription sleep aids can be habit forming as the body builds up a tolerance to them. Moreover, most are not without health-related side effects. This is why we formulated Harmony+. Created with an effective array of vitamins, minerals, and natural herbs, this holistic blend works with the body to support relaxation and balance natural stressors to promote a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Because when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and mind, getting adequate sleep is essential!
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
