How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
Apr 21st 2021
Posted by Stephanie Chambers
by Stephanie Chambers
How much sleep do people need? Often, we hear people say they only need six hours of sleep, but generally they have a strong cup of coffee in hand. According to the National Sleep Foundation 1 and based on research, adults need anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Older adults (65 and above), need 7 to 8 hours. Children need a lot more.*
Ayurveda says that the influence of the doshas is different depending on the time of day. After 10 p.m. at night, Pitta dosha increases which is why people find it harder to go to bed if they stay up this late. There has been some theories2 that our enzymes are designed to switch on at certain times of day. That means when eating after dark, there may not be sufficient enzymes on board to deal with the food eaten at that time. However, this is just speculation and, while digestion may be effected, it is to a small degree.*
If You Want Better Sleep, What Can You Do?
Gradually reducing the number of stimulants you consume (i.e. coffee, tea, chocolate and pop) and having them only very early in the day may help. Eating at least two hours or more before bedtime can help (according to Ayurveda, it is best to finish eating by 7:30 p.m.). Switching off the TV and electronics and listening to soft music or reading relaxing uplifting books for at least half an hour before bed may help you to settle down. See our page Essential Oils For Sleep & Insomnia for more tips.*
Many find Essential Oils useful. At Amrita, we have developed a combination of the best Essential Oils for sleep into a blend called Deep Rest Roll-On Relief which you can have at your bedside. It contains Red Mandarin, Lavender Extra, Sweet Marjoram and Mandarin Petitgrain and other therapeutic ingredients. It is also available as a Deep Rest Synergy blend. Some like to just sprinkle some Lavender on their pillow before bed.*
Wishing you sweet dreams!
Sources:
1.) https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need/page/0/1
2.) http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/37269/title/Out-of-Sync/
Disclaimer: *The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.
Original Published: 2016-06-22 / Last Modified: 2025-5-30