"How much sleep do we need?"

Sleep is essential in life for the refreshment of the body and the spirit. Lengthy periods of disturbed sleep lead to reduced ability, irritability and lack of concentration. Individual sleep requirements vary and reduce gradually from babyhood to old age.

An adult requires about 7-8 hours sleep whereas an elderly person generally requires only 5-6 hours. This should be remembered when elderly people suffer from disturbed sleep. And to date no one has lasted longer than 17 days without sleep.