How do you know how much sleep you really need?

The amount of sleep you need is that which leaves you feeling refreshed everyday.

Q. How do you know how much sleep you really need?

I feel perpetually tired despite having seven to eight hours of sleep every day.

A. The amount of sleep you need is that which leaves you feeling refreshed everyday.

When you have had enough sleep, you should wake up naturally, and be able to stay alert and reasonably fresh throughout the day without needing an afternoon nap.

People who do not get enough sleep will need an alarm clock to wake them up, feel unrefreshed upon rising, typically need caffeine to boost their alertness in the daytime, and will feel sleepy in the afternoon.

If one seems to be getting enough quantity of sleep, i.e. seven to eight hours for most adults, and still feels tired, there may be a problem with sleep quality.

Sleep quality is usually poor when there is an underlying sleep disorder - it is best to consult with a doctor to rule out treatable sleep related disorders causing daytime tiredness.

The above information was provided by Dr Lim Li Ling, President of Singapore Sleep Society and Medical Director of the Singapore Neurology & Sleep Centre.

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