How much sleep do we need?

The amount of sleep you need varies from person to person, but most adults need seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. The right amount of sleep is the amount of sleep it takes for you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed and to feel alert throughout the day.

Am I getting enough sleep?

Are you getting seven to eight hours a night? More? Less? You are likely not getting the sleep you need if:  

• you feel tired or drowsy during the day
• you regularly fall asleep within five minutes of getting in bed
  
• you fall asleep in class, at work, watching television, after a heavy meal or after drinking a small amount of alcohol
• you have difficulty waking up in the morning, need an alarm to get up or sleep through your alarm
• you sleep significantly more on weekends or days off
• you need a nap to get through the day
• you rely on caffeine, energy drinks or over-the-counter medications to keep you awake
• you have difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• you are irritable or impatient
• you are angry
• you are more clumsy than usual

You know your sleep is high quality if you are:

• satisfied with your sleep
  
• able to sleep at appropriate times, for an appropriate amount of time
  
• efficient and alert during the day

You may need more than nine hours per night on a regular basis if you are recovering from sleep debt or if you are living with an illness.