Different stages of life bring their own sleep needs due to biological and cognitive changes, and this can be further affected by stress and responsibilities that come with age. Adequate sleep plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, according to experts in the field. Things change as we age.
Our bodies need different things and there are many factors at play when it comes to sleep quality. Here, experts including a sleep therapist and a GP explain what happens. How much sleep you need depending on your age During early adulthood, aged 18-25, sleep is key to brain functions and emotional health.
"During this age period, cognitive functions, emotional regulation and the maturation of the brain's prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and impulse control) are all heavily influenced by adequate sleep," highlights Denise Iordache, sleep therapist and founder of JoySpace Therapy. Seven to nine hours of sleep per night are crucial during these years for optimal brain development, learning, and memory. "Young adults benefit from high melatonin production, meaning they find it easier to get to and stay asleep," Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP and resident sleep expert with Time4Sleep, explains.
However, she notes that they often experience shifting sleep patterns, preferring late nights and morning lie-ins. Circadian rhythms tend to settle down once individuals enter young adulthood, ages 26-44, when the body and brain have reached maturity. Iordache explains, "During this perio.