We've always known we needed adequate sleep for quality of life, but one study finds we're finally embracing the concept. We'll benefit from that attitude change, says Dr. Richard Castriotta, a sleep medicine expert at UT Health.
“People always exaggerated and took pride in the paucity of sleep that they got,” Dr. Castriotta says. “People would brag, 'I only sleep five hours a night.'"
Castriotta says adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night and we've known it for a long time. Children need even more -- nine to 10 hours, to be effective learners. There are exceptions.
“There are some people who are genetically predisposed toward sleeping less,” he says, “(they’re) called short sleepers.”