Sleep for all phases of life: tips for your health

Sleep for all phases of life: tips for your health

The importance of sleep for our health is often underestimated. Given today's living conditions, adequate rest and high-quality sleep are central to physical and mental well-being. A current study shows how crucial sleep duration is across life phases and what consequences a lack of sleep can have.

Influence of sleep on the immune system

Too little sleep is not only an annoying problem, but can also have serious health consequences. Studies from the University of California at San Francisco show that people who sleep less than six hours a night on average are four times more likely to become infected with cold viruses. These findings highlight the need to consider sleep as an important part of our health routine, especially during the pandemic period when the immune system is under severe strain.

Optimal sleep duration for different age groups

The National Sleep Foundation has published clear recommendations on sleep duration depending on age. These guidelines provide a valuable overview to better understand individual sleep needs. The recommended sleeping times vary greatly:

• Neugeborene (0 bis 3 Monate): 14 bis 17 Stunden
• Säuglinge (4 bis 11 Monate): 12 bis 15 Stunden
• Kleinkinder (1 bis 2 Jahre): 11 bis 14 Stunden
• Vorschulkinder (3 bis 5 Jahre): 10 bis 13 Stunden
• Schulkinder (6 bis 13 Jahre): 9 bis 11 Stunden
• Jugendliche (14 bis 17 Jahre): 8 bis 10 Stunden
• Junge Erwachsene (18 bis 25 Jahre): 7 bis 9 Stunden
• Erwachsene (26 bis 65 Jahre): 7 bis 9 Stunden
• Senioren (über 65 Jahre): 7 bis 8 Stunden

The connection between sleep and heart health

Research led by Salim Yusuf of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, shows that not only the quantity but also the quality of sleep is crucial to heart health. The study findings suggest that people who regularly sleep six to eight hours per night have a lower risk of high blood pressure. This makes it clear that too much sleep is also associated with health risks and that balanced sleep habits are important.

The influence of lifestyle factors on sleep

Individual sleep quality is influenced by various lifestyle factors, including stress, diet and genetics. These factors can vary significantly and produce a variety of sleep patterns. A conscious approach to these influences is crucial to ensure the necessary recovery and minimize the health risks mentioned above.

Conclusion: Prioritize sleep for health

Given the beliefs that older people need less sleep, recent studies show that everyone, regardless of age, should ensure they get enough sleep. The recommendations for sleep duration provide a helpful guide, but individual feelings should also be taken into account. To improve your sleep, simple lifestyle changes such as regular sleep times and a stress-free sleep environment could make significant progress.