Doctor shares how much sleep you need – and how dangerous it is not to rest

Are you getting enough sleep?

If you’re surviving on five hours kip a night, the answer is no.

Dr Zac Turner, an expert from Australia, explained how snoozing more can “change your life”.

He recommends aiming for seven hours shut eye a day.

Adding this extra two hours rest into your schedule will gain you 730 hours of sleep a year.

This can help to alleviate problems like stress – and may make your brain function more effectively too.

Dr Turner told news.com.au that sleep-deprived people often show the “same responses and signs” as drunk people.

In many instances, they struggle to concentrate and remember things.

They can also be more irritable and anxious about life.

The sleep expert explained: "Your brain functions at a significantly lower rate and you will feel the consequences.

"This could lead to failure in relationships, or losing your job, and has been connected to depression and anxiety."

The NHS recommends getting between six and nine hours of sleep every night.

If you're struggling to wind down, you should stop going on technological devices when you're in bed.

Sleeping at regular times can also help you to switch off at night time.

Children and teenagers need slightly more kip than adults do.

According to the NHS, here’s how much rest they need…

  • Babies 4 to 12 months old – 12 to 16 hours including naps
  • Toddlers 1 to 2 years old – 11 to 14 hours including naps
  • Children 3 to 5 years old – 10 to 13 hours including naps
  • Children 6 to 12 years old – 9 to 12 hours
  • Teenagers 13 to 18 years old – 8 to 10 hours

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