AI Generated Image
A doctor shares how much sleep people need to function through the day
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reported getting only zero to three hours of sleep per night since taking office, sparking widespread discussion on work-life balance and sleep needs.
- Dr. Sara Benjamin, medical director at Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, states that most adults require about seven hours of sleep for optimal functioning, and zero to three hours is likely unsustainable.
- Insufficient sleep can impair judgment and behavior over time, though individual sleep needs vary, with some requiring more or less than seven hours.
- Sleep-tracking technology can be a useful tool if it helps individuals monitor their own patterns without unhealthy comparisons to others.
- Short naps of 15 to 20 minutes can be beneficial, especially for those who are sleep-deprived or have irregular schedules, and maintaining a consistent wake-up time is important for regulating sleep.
