How important is sleep?

Most of us feel better after a good night's sleep: refreshed, energised, and more positive.

The opposite happens, though, when we don't get enough sleep. In the short term, our safety, productivity, alertness and mental performance can be affected. In the long term, the effects of poor sleep can put us at an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke.¹

It's no wonder some sleep experts believe we should pay as much attention to the quality of our sleep as we do to diet and exercise.

The amount of sleep we need varies according to age and individual needs. On average:

• most adults need around 7 to 9 hours
• teenagers need about 8 to 10 hours
• school children need about 9 to 11 hours
• toddlers and pre-schoolers need about 10 to 14 hours of sleep, including any naps during the day
• babies need up to about 17 hours in the first few months and around 12 to 15 hours up to their first year.

Being awake for just 17 hours without sleep can lead to a decrease in performance and mental alertness equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.²

Lack of sleep has been linked with adverse effects on children’s concentration at school. It can increase the risk of depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in teenagers.

Some sleep experts believe there may be a connection between weight gain and sleep deprivation.³ Research suggests sleep deprivation may affect hormones regulating our appetite, making us feel hungrier.⁴ Lack of sleep can also make people feel more tired and less motivated to exercise.

Nearly half of Australian adults report at least 2 sleep-related problems, such as having trouble falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, snoring and feeling unrefreshed in the morning.⁵

If you have concerns about your sleeping patterns, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist.