Jakarta, ThedailyID — Many people aim to get eight hours of sleep every night. However, sleep experts say that number is not a universal rule.
Sleep is one of the body’s most important recovery processes. While you sleep, your body repairs muscles, lowers blood pressure, and clears harmful metabolic waste.
Because of its health benefits, many people track their sleep using smartwatches and other devices. They often try to hit the recommended seven to eight hours every night.
However, experts warn that people should not become overly obsessed with meeting that target.
Both too little and too much sleep can negatively affect overall health. Yet experts say ideal sleep duration varies from person to person.
Michael Perlis, Director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said that the common recommendation of seven to eight hours works for many people, but not for everyone.
“Because it does not account for sex, age, an individual’s typical waking period, daily mental and physical exertion, health status, and baseline sleep needs,” Perlis told CNA.
Instead of focusing solely on the number of hours slept, experts suggest paying more attention to sleep quality and consistency.
For example, sleeping 6.5 hours every night at the same time can be healthier than sleeping eight hours inconsistently. Poor sleep quality, frequent interruptions, and irregular schedules may reduce the benefits of a longer sleep duration.
Ultimately, experts say quality sleep matters more than chasing a specific number on the clock. Finding a routine that suits your body’s needs is often more important than forcing yourself to sleep exactly eight hours every night.
