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A good night’s sleep can make a world of difference to how we feel and function throughout the day. Many of us struggle to get enough sleep each night - and while we all like to think we

know how much our bodies need, it turns out many of us could be getting it wrong. Adjustable bed retailers Willowbrook have researched how much sleep we really need, no matter our age. It’s

also not just about the number of hours spent snoozing that counts, but the quality of the sleep is vitally important. According to the NHS, “everyone needs different amounts of sleep” but,

on average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, children need nine to 13 hours per night, and toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours. The NHS cautions: “You probably do not

get enough sleep if you’re constantly tired during the day.” Guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation support this line of thought, with more specific sleep amounts listed for a range

of ages: * 0-3 months: 14-17 hours * 4-11 months: 12-15 hours * 1-2 years: 11-14 hours * 3-5 years: 10-13 hours * 6-13 years: 9-11 hours * 14-17 years: 8-10 hours * 18-25 years: 7-9 hours *

26-64 years: 7-9 hours * 65+ years: 7-8 hours Regardless of age, the quality of sleep you get each night is one of the most important factors. Those with underlying health problems may find

their issues exacerbated by not getting enough sleep According to research by Willowbrook, older adults tend to experience something called a ‘drop in slow-wave sleep’, which is the type of

sleep that helps your body recover. This means a 21-year-old and a 70-year-old could have the same length of sleep, but the 70-year-old will have less deep sleep. External conditions can

also have a huge impact on sleep; for example, health or medical conditions that cause discomfort make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Darren Cole from Willowbrook said: “At

every age, sleep quality is important. There’s no doubt that adjusting your room - and your bed - can make a real impact. “Health, fitness and overall wellbeing can all play a part in

overall sleep-quality. Sleep has an impact in day-to-day life and can affect motor skills, with some data and studies suggesting even as much as drinking alcohol could in some cases.” The

side effects of sleep deprivation are commonly discussed on social media, with countless videos on the topic gaining traction on hit video-sharing platform, TikTok. John Hopkins Medicine

states: “Chronic poor sleep may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even cancers of the breast, colon, ovaries and prostate. “Poor

sleep can also affect the ability to function while performing daily tasks like working or driving.” It’s important to try and ensure you get enough sleep consistently each night. Keeping

your bedroom a calm, quiet, dark place can help put you in a relaxed frame of mind and make achieving this a little easier. A consistent bedtime routine is often touted as essential to

proper rest each evening, while limiting screen-time and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed are equally helpful. If you’re concerned about your sleep, it’s best to book an appointment

with a doctor as soon as possible for tailored advice and support.