The Economics of Sleep
How Much Sleep We Need
Most adults need seven to nine hours, teenagers more, and many people get less than they need.
Needs vary but have a range.
Adults
Seven to nine hours is the common recommendation.
Teenagers
They need around eight to ten hours and naturally shift later.
Sleep debt
Regularly sleeping less builds a deficit that affects performance.
Chronotypes
Some people are naturally ‘larks’ and others ‘owls’, but work and school schedules rarely fit everyone.
A late-night scroll
A teenager scrolls his phone late and struggles to wake for an early class.
Believing you can cut sleep without cost
Deficits show up in performance.
Key takeaways
- Adults need 7-9 hours.
- Teens need more.
- Sleep debt accumulates.
- Chronotypes differ.
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