EH: Are there times in our lives or certain stages of life when we need more sleep?
Michael Grandner: Young people need more sleep. This includes teenagers – and very often teenagers are sleep deprived. Young adults may also need more sleep for optimal functioning [per the CDC].
RELATED: How much sleep do you really need each night?
TC: As we grow older and enter our twilight years, the amount of sleep we get decreases. There is still some debate as to whether our need for sleep changes or if our ability sleep changes – but whatever sleep is great important throughout the lifespan.
MP SO: Growth periods require more sleep. This means that babies, children and teenagers definitely need more sleep than adults. But pregnancy is also a state of growth and development, and more sleep is needed during pregnancy.
Short and long sleep during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
EH: What are some sleep breakers that could actually be red flags that a bigger health problem is going on?
Jade Wu: Daytime sleepiness (more than just “after lunch”) can be a sign of a sleep disorder, and it can also cause more sleep problems if someone oversleeps. The opposite – not feeling drowsy for days – may indicate a mood episode (eg hypomania).
TC: Loud snoring (loud enough to hear through the door), high blood pressure, and if bed partners say you don’t breathe and wake up during sleep is a big red flag. These are very indicative of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a disorder that can be very harmful to your overall health. Fortunately this can be confirmed through a sleep study and mostly treated through things like CPAP.
RELATED: Symptoms that indicate you may have sleep apnea and should be checked
EH: if I notice sleep red flags happening to me (or my bed partner), who do I see?
Sleep Research Society: Having a conversation with your primary care provider is a good first step. They will be able to refer you to a psychologist or sleep specialist depending on your symptoms. They may also be able to order a sleep test to further investigate what the problem may be.
