How much sleep is too much?

Lockdown 2.0. Here we go again. With all but essential shops closed, no socialising permitted and our enthusiasm to use the spare time to get fit fading as fast as the daylight hours, the temptation can be to hunker down and hibernate. But, before you crawl under the duvet for the next 4 weeks, did you know that too much sleep can actually be bad for you?

It’s true! We often hear about how not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing. In fact, one of the few positives people have reported from the slower pace of ‘lockdown life’, is enjoying the benefits of more rest. But too much sleep can be just as bad for you as too little. Increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and, let’s face it, just generally making you feel lethargic, lazy and demotivated.

So, how much sleep should you be getting?

As with most things in life, the right amount of sleep is largely dependent on finding the right balance. What’s right for you might not work for someone else – after all, we’re all different. But one fact that remains the same for everyone is that quality sleep is essential.

Why do we need sleep?

Sleep is our body’s natural way of recharging. Getting the quantity right should leave you refreshed, alert and ready to face the day.

Without a proper night’s rest, you can become fatigued, grumpy and struggle to focus. This is manageable every now and again, but on a regular basis, it can become a more serious issue, affecting both your health and mood. Making achieving the right balance, crucial.

So how much sleep should you have?

As a guide, most adults need around an average of 8 hours of sleep a night.  But this can vary daily depending on factors such as how active we are. People with manual or highly stressed jobs for example, may require more hours of rest than someone with a relatively sedate desk job.

Typically though, the recommended number of hours sleep for each age range is as follows:

– Newborn baby (0-3 months) – 14-17 hours each day

– Infant (4-11months) – 12-15 hours

– Toddler (1-2 years) – 11-14 hours

– Pre-school child (3-5 years) – 10-13 hours

– School child (6-13 years) – 9-11 hours

– Teenager (14-17 years – 8-10 hours

– Young adult (18-25 years) – 7-9 hours

– Adult (26 -64 years) – 7-9 hours

– Older adult (65+ years) – 7-8 hours

The key is to work out how much sleep you need to be at your best (i.e. not feeling desperate for a nap or sluggish throughout the day) and try to achieve this on a regular basis.

Power naps

With many of us working from home during the pandemic, our beds are never far away – making the temptation of a quick siesta stronger than ever. But be careful!

Whilst there is much research to advocate the benefits of a daytime nap, it’s essential not to overdo it. Too much sleep, too late in the day, can have a negative impact on how you sleep at night.  Check out our recent blog ‘How long should I nap?’  to discover more about how to optimise your snooze.

How to make sure you get the right amount of rest?

So now you know how much sleep you should be aiming for but how do you make sure you get it?

If you’re currently furloughed, or just have too much time on your hands while the country is in lockdown, the temptation can be to stay in bed until it’s all over. Finding the motivation to get up in a morning can be a real challenge, so try setting yourself an alarm. Be sensible though, if you’ve nothing to get up for don’t set it for 6.00am, as the chances are, you’ll just roll over and ignore it.

Struggle to feel awake? Jump straight into the shower to revive yourself. This will also take away the option of staying in your pjs and diving back under the bedclothes, helping to kickstart your day.

To stay on track, how about creating yourself a timetable? Divide your day into chunks of time and set yourself achievable targets. Try to include getting out in the fresh air and exercise, as these are mood-boosting and will also help to improve the quality of your sleep at night.

Setting a time to go to sleep is just as important as setting a time to wake up. At least an hour before you’re due to go to bed, put down your phone, turn off the tech and give your body time to switch off. Try running a hot bath or reading instead.

Optimise your sleeping hours

Making sure your room is a calm, peaceful environment can go a long way to encouraging quality sleep – as does having a comfy, welcoming bed. And that’s where we come in!

Here at Dreamers Bed Centre, no one understands better than us, the importance of a quality mattress and bed in ensuring you get a good night’s rest.

Why not browse our extensive range today and start optimising your sleeping hours? We have something to suit everyone’s taste and preferences. And don’t forget our sleep experts are always on hand to offer expert help and guidance.

Get in touch with the team today using our online form. Alternatively, you can email info@dreamersbedcentre.co.uk or call 01945 275 464.