We talked with Sleep Expert and Beam Partner Dr. Carleara Weiss to answer the age-old question: how much sleep do I need—and why?
These days, it’s difficult to get a straight answer when it comes to wellness. The pure volume of information on the internet can be overwhelming—from how much hydration we really require, to the efficiency of vitamins versus nutritious food, to the best way to get clear, glowing skin. The world of sleep is no different. So we sat down with Sleep Expert and Beam partner Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., M.S., R.N. to parse the facts from fiction. We attempt to answer the super-common question: how many hours of sleep do I need?
Racking up the hours
According to Dr. Weiss, the requisite hour count can vary.
“Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. A very small amount of the population is considered ‘short sleepers’ and can function well on 5-6 hours of sleep without physical and cognitive impairment.”
A long night of sleep can do the body good, but too much sleep can actually be a bad thing. Dr. Weiss says:
“Oversleeping (more than 9 hours per night) is usually a consequence of sleep debt (which is when the body tries to compensate for accumulated sleep deprivation). If it only happens occasionally, for example after returning from a trip, it’s OK. However, some people oversleep constantly and also experience excessive daytime sleepiness. In this case, I recommend seeking a sleep doctor for evaluation.”
When tracking, ask yourself: how many hours of sleep do I need? Does 5-6 hours really work for me, or do I wake up feeling like a zombie when I get less than 7? Listening to your own body is always encouraged. If you need extra help falling asleep, a delicious, natural night-time routine is a great way to wind down.
Why sleep matters
While sleep isn’t always the most exciting topic, the importance of consistent rest truly cannot be overemphasized. Ask any wellness practitioner, nutritionist, trainer, or doctor, and they’ll tell you: the length and quality of your sleep matters for your long-term health. Dr. Weiss says:
“Studies suggest that chronic sleep deprivation has long lasting effects such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Other studies highlight the connection between short sleep duration (less than 6 hours per night) and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. To top it off, the American Heart Association now includes sleep as one of the 4 main influences affecting heart health.”
According to Dr. Weiss, these are just a few of the long-term health issues that could arise from poor sleep. Prioritizing rest and recovery can be a game-changer for your overall health and wellbeing, not to mention your mental energy, focus, and mood. For a calming, natural way to wind down, try Dream Powder, our delicious hot cocoa for sleep with 5 powerful natural sleep ingredients. Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up happy.*
by Samantha Colicchio
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