Sep 16, 2022

When it Comes to Sleep, Quality is as Important as Quantity

How Much Sleep Do you Need:

According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Additionally, the following age groups need the recommended amount of sleep:

• Infants 4 months to 12 months | 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps
• 1 to 2 years | 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps
• 3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps
• 6 to 12 years | 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours
• 13 to 18 years | 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours

Risks of Not Getting Enough Sleep Regularly:

For kids, getting the recommended amount of sleep on a regular basis is linked with better health.  Not getting the recommended amount of sleep can negatively impact their attention, behavior, learning, memory, the ability to control emotions, quality of life, and mental and physical health.

For adults, getting less than seven hours of sleep a night on a regular basis has been linked with poor health, including weight gain, having a body mass index of 30 or higher, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Quality is as Important as Quantity:

If your sleep is frequently interrupted, you're not getting quality sleep. Although you may get 7+ hours of sleep a night, if it is constantly interrupted, you may not feel rested or be getting the health benefits you may expect.  Sleep quality is as important as quantity!

Talk to you healthcare provider if you have concerns about your, or your child's, sleep quality.  There are many factors that may impact your sleep quality.  Sleep can be interrupted by things such as stress, hormones, health conditions, and more.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best course of action to helping you get better sleep.  If a sleep study is recommended, Inspired Health Group offers patients at home studies. 

At Home Sleep Studies:

With the help of our Sleep Care Coordinator, home sleep tests are offered to our patients.  Patients are educated on how to take home and operate a portable device that monitors your breathing while you sleep.  This will provide a patient and their provider with a comprehensive view of oxygen levels and breathing effort while worn.  The test can help determine sleeping problems such as sleep apnea. 

Our Sleep Care Coordinator can also provide education on how to improve your sleep hygiene, supporting a more restful night's sleep!

Talk to your Inspired Health Group provider if you have concerns about your sleep quality.  We are here to help!

SOURCE SLEEP INFO: Mayo Clinic