Do you struggle with waking up? Do you try to sleep early but just can’t? Did you know different age groups require more sleep than others? Many people have difficulty sleeping or have issues with being tired during the day. This may be because they aren’t getting enough sleep, but in some cases, did you know getting too much sleep is also a problem? 

Oversleeping is an issue that is underlooked and can do more harm than good. Oversleeping puts you at greater risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, headaches, depression and at a greater risk of dying from a medical condition. Adults typically need around 7-9 hours of sleep a night, whilst kids need 8-10. If you don’t feel well-rested after sleeping these hours, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

Then, there’s the problem of not getting enough sleep. Undersleeping is extremely common and more known about, but what people don’t know is the effects it can have on you. Undersleeping, like oversleeping can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also put you at a greater risk of a high blood pressure, poor mental health and an early death.

I interviewed Mrs. Aubertin to get more insight on this matter. Below are her answers.

What are some benefits of sleeping better

Some of the benefits are that you’re gonna have more energy to critically think better, you are usually gonna be in a better mood and you are less likely to get sick because you are strengthening your immune system, so those are just a few of the benefits. 

What is your personal experience with your sleep schedule

It was bad in college, I went to bed way too late way too often, I drank too much caffeine so then I messed up my sleep schedule so I did have a hard time in classes and going to sleep and staying asleep. It was also not good after I had children. But now it’s pretty good, I go to bed pretty early, I don’t drink caffeine in the afternoon, I drink a lot of water and try to shut off TVs, so that helps a lot. 

Why is it so important for the younger generation to sleep? 

Well you guys are still growing and developing so your brain isn’t developed yet, your body isn’t developed yet so you guys actually need extra sleep you guys should be getting 8-10 hours of sleep every night to support all that growth that’s not only happening physically but mentally, cognitively as well so it’s really important that you guys are getting plenty of sleep so you guys can function at your highest.

Many of these effects go unnoticed, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a risk. Sleeping has many more pros than cons. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial to development and on the daily functioning. When going to bed tonight, consider what’s right for you.