Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It’s vital for physical health, cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. To support brain function, immune health and memory, the normal adult needs around 7 - 9 hours of sleep. According to Mental Health UK, around 1 in 5 people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep, and the NHS states that there are many life challenges that can cause a sleepless night.

One of the easiest ways to get a good night’s sleep is to create a calming bedroom environment with a supportive bed, a quality mattress and personalised comfort, such as the ability to adjust and elevate your head, neck or shoulders at the touch of a button.
For more information on adjustable beds, check out our Bed Buying Guide.

We once believed that we should stay asleep all night; now we understand that sleep works in a cycle. The sleep cycle has four stages, during which the brain is either active or less responsive.

What happens in a normal sleep cycle?

Stage 1 (N1)

This is the lightest stage of sleep and occurs when a person first falls asleep. This stage lasts around 1 - 7 minutes, depending on how active the brain is before settling into bed.

Stage 2 (N2)

The body starts to relax more deeply. Body temperature begins to drop, muscles relax, and heart and breathing rates slow down. This stage lasts around 10 - 25 minutes.

Stage 3 (N3 or deep sleep)

This is the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep. It allows the body to recover and grow.

Stage 4 (REM sleep)

REM sleep is the stage where we’re most likely to experience dreams, as brain activity increases and temporary muscle paralysis occurs.

Depending on how long you sleep, the typical adult needs around 20 - 25% of their total nightly sleep to be deep sleep. This equates to around 90 - 120 minutes per night.

REM stands for rapid eye movement and occurs because your brain is actively tracking, scanning and reorienting the imagery of your dreams. This is often the stage you might experience sleep paralysis. REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, learning and emotional regulation whilst awake.

How much REM sleep do you need?

Depending on how long you sleep, the typical adult needs around 20 - 25% of their total nightly sleep to be REM sleep. This is around 90 - 120 minutes per night.

The NHS suggests adults having around 7 - 9 hours of sleep per night, this is around 49-63 hours of sleep per week. The recommended number of hours of sleep is age dependent,

• Infants (4 - 12 months old) – 12 - 16 hours (including naps)
• Toddlers (1 - 2 years old) – 11 - 14 hours (including naps)
• Nursery / Preschool children (3 - 5 years old) – 10 - 13 hours (including naps)
• School‑age children (6 - 12 years old) – 9 - 12 hours
• Teenagers (13 - 18 years old) – 8 - 10 hours
• Adults (18 years and older) – 7 or more hours

There are lots of different factors that can prevent you from sleeping, Mindwell Leeds includes the following examples:

• Poor mental health, including anxiety and stress
• Upsetting life events, such as money, work or family worries, or bereavement
• Pain or discomfort caused by health conditions, such as arthritis
• Physical needs, such as using the toilet more frequently in older age or during pregnancy
• Age, for example, older people may experience less or lighter sleep

If you’re struggling to get a full night of sleep, Mind suggests:

• Establishing a routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
• Avoiding forcing yourself to sleep; instead, do something relaxing
• Keeping a sleep diary to identify what may be affecting your sleep
• Making sure your bed is comfortable by adjusting temperature, light and noise levels to find what works best
• Reducing screen time before bed to avoid stimulating the brain
• Looking after yourself with regular exercise and a nutritious diet

If you still struggle to sleep, make sure to contact your GP to see if they can offer a solution.

Getting enough sleep each night is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Sleep helps us recover from injuries, helps our long-term memory and keeps us physically fit. Upgrading your bed can have a positive impact on your sleep, especially if you need extra support whilst you sleep.

An adjustable bed might not solve your sleep schedule; it will however improve your sleeping conditions and are ideal for those with limited movement or health conditions. Whether you’d like to sleep with your feet elevated for circulation or want to ease the pressure on your back, it might be time to upgrade your bed.

For more information on Adjustable Beds, request a free brochure today.

Is 5 hours of sleep enough? Is 6 hours of sleep enough?

Getting 5 or 6 hours of sleep per night is not enough for the recommended hours of sleep. Getting too little sleep can have long term impacts, including deprivation to a person’s mental functioning, irritability and mental health issues and physical health impacts, including high blood pressure.