Sleep expert reveals ideal sleep duration for different age groups.

Dr. Peter Polos, MD and sleep medicine specialist, recommends that everyone should aim to have a set sleep and awake time and keep it consistent every day. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, adults need 7-8 hours, and the elderly should aim for the same amount of sleep as adults. Lack of sleep can lead to many issues, including drowsiness, poor cognitive ability, skin issues, poor impulse control, reduced emotional control, and depression. Sleep patterns change as people age, and disturbed sleep and waking up tired every day are not part of normal aging. Women need around 20 minutes more sleep per night than men, and during pregnancy, they need even more sleep.