Effects of sleep on health
Sleep is necessary for good health and wellbeing. It is important for your brain function, emotional wellbeing and physical health.
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Importance of sleep
Getting enough quality sleep helps support healthy brain function and maintains your physical health. For children and teenagers, sleep is important for their growth and development.
The amount of sleep you need will depend on your age. Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Babies and toddlers will need about 11 to 17 hours of sleep.
Not getting enough sleep can affect how you think, behave and get on with other people. Ongoing poor sleep can affect your mental health and increase your risk of some health conditions.
Causes of poor sleep
Poor sleep can be linked to several conditions, such as:
- pain
- anxiety
- depression
- restless legs syndrome — a cramp or creeping feeling in the legs in the evening or at night
- sleep apnoea — when you have pauses in your breathing during the night
- insomnia — trouble getting to or staying asleep
- circadian rhythm disorders (for example, jet lag and shift work sleep disorder).
Sleepwalking and snoring are also common sleep problems.