Anvesha Bhagat
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Sleep is critical for all ages as it supports cognitive functions, mental and physical health, safety, and reduces the risk of certain diseases and injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep differs according to age. For example, Mayo Clinic states that for infants it is recommended for 12-16 hours of sleep, for one-two years it is recommended 11 to 14 hours, for three-five years old sleep is recommended for 10 to 13 hours, for six-twelve year olds sleep is recommended for 9 to 12 hours, for teenagers it is recommended that they receive 8 to 10 hours of sleep, and for adults it is recommended for more than 7 hours of sleep. Younger kids are recommended to have higher amounts of sleep as it is directly correlated to having a healthier lifestyle as it supports the regulation of immune functions, hormones, and healing processes. When you are sleeping, your body continues to work to support your bodily functions, which help support you throughout the day. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it is stated that “…when you sleep, a particular type of immune cell works harder. That is why people who do not sleep enough may be more likely to get colds”, proving sleep is crucial towards protecting your body with infections. Not to mention, inadequate sleep can also contribute towards severe heart problems such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. Sleep contributes towards your learning processes as well as not enough sleep can lead to trouble focusing and paying attention. Some strategies to help falling asleep are to limit the screentime, participate in physical activity, create a sleep friendly nighttime routine, avoid caffeine, and to consult a medical professional if the issue is severe. Therefore, it is crucial to get a proper amount of sleep so your body can best give you the support you need during the daytime.
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