Recommended Sleep: 8 hours/night
Sleep debt, also known as sleep deficit, is the difference between the amount of sleep your body needs and the amount of sleep you actually get. For example, if you need 8 hours of sleep per night but only sleep 6 hours, you accumulate 2 hours of sleep debt.
Sleep debt is calculated by subtracting the hours of sleep you get each night from the recommended amount of sleep for your age group, then multiplying by the number of nights. For example:
Sleep debt can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to:
The amount of sleep you need varies depending on your age group. Below are the general recommendations:
| Age Group | Recommended Sleep |
|---|---|
| Teenagers (14–17 years) | 9 hours |
| Young Adults (18–25 years) | 8 hours |
| Adults (26–64 years) | 8 hours |
| Older Adults (65+ years) | 7 hours |
A: Yes, but it takes time. The best way to recover is by consistently sleeping the recommended amount and gradually repaying the debt over several days or weeks.
A: Napping can temporarily boost alertness and reduce fatigue, but it’s not a substitute for regular, adequate nighttime sleep.
A: Chronic sleep debt can lead to serious health issues, including weakened immunity, poor mental health, and increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease.