How much sleep do you really need? In general, most adults need about 7 hours of sleep per night. Children and adolescents need even more - around 9 or 10 hours per night.The right amount of sleep is the amount that lets you wake up feeling refreshed and well.
Here's how to tell if you're not getting enough sleep:
· You need an alarm clock to wake up
· You sleep longer and better on weekends
· You have trouble getting out of bed in the morning
· You feel tired during the day
· You have bags or dark circles under your eyes
· You doze off while sitting in a public place, such as a movie theatre or meeting
· You doze off while driving
· You have trouble concentrating
· You have early morning headaches
If you notice any of these signs, you may not be getting enough sleep. Try to gradually increase the amount of sleep you get each night until you find the right amount - you'll know that you've got it when these signs start to go away.