Neurologist breaks down how much sleep you need by age; we fact-check

While these numbers give a broad idea of how much sleep one might need, you may wonder why these requirements differ so much between newborns, children, teens, and adults.

So, is the average daily amount of sleep recommended by Dr Sudhir in his post accurate?

Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells indianexpress.com, “Yes, the recommendations mentioned are broadly consistent with established guidelines from major health organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation. There can be small variations across different studies, but the ranges are generally accurate for each age group. What matters most is that these ranges are seen as averages, since individual needs can differ slightly depending on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.”

Why do sleep requirements decrease as we move from infancy to adulthood?

Infants require a higher amount of sleep because their brains and bodies are undergoing rapid growth and consolidation of neural connections. Sleep at that stage is vital for memory formation, learning, and immune system development. 

Dr Hiremath notes, “As children grow, the pace of brain maturation slows down, and while sleep remains critical for learning and emotional regulation, the overall need decreases. By adulthood, the brain has reached structural maturity, so the primary role of sleep shifts towards maintaining cognitive performance, repairing cellular damage, and supporting emotional balance rather than fuelling rapid development.”

Common health risks of sleep deprivation

In the short term, Dr Hiremath says that people may “experience reduced concentration, slower reaction times, mood disturbances, and weakened immunity. Over time, consistent sleep loss increases the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.” It also has a significant impact on mental health, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression.

The average daily amount of sleep needed, by age:
1. Newborns (up to 3 months old): 14 to 17 hours.
2. Infants (4 to 12 months old): 12 to 16 hours, including naptime.
3. Young children (1 to 5 years old): 10 to 14 hours, including naptime.
4. School-aged children (6 to… https://t.co/mGMsI3KwhF

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) August 18, 2025

How can parents or caregivers ensure that children and teenagers meet their recommended sleep needs?

Parents and caregivers can help by establishing consistent sleep routines and prioritising a calming pre-bedtime environment. “Creating a predictable schedule for winding down, limiting exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime, and encouraging physical activity during the day can all make a difference. Bedrooms should be dark, cool, and quiet to support healthy sleep. For teenagers especially, balancing academic demands with adequate rest is important, so parents should help them recognise that good sleep is as essential to performance and well-being as studying or extracurricular activities,” stresses Dr Hiremath. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.