Eight hours of sleep a night is ideal.
We've heard of people who need just a few hours of sleep (Bill Clinton is said to get five or six a night; Martha Stewart, four), and others who require a lot (Albert Einstien thrived on 11). Most people need seven to nine hours of seep per night--but it can range from six to 10 hours. To find out how much sleep you really require, take a vacation and sleep in. When you don't feel the urge to nap on a slow and quite afternoon, that's when you know you've gotten the rest you need. You can also head to be 15 minutes earlier each night for two weeks. If you still can't keep your eyes open during a staff meeting or find yourself craving sweets or carbs in the morning--both sign that you're sleep deprived--try adding on 15 minutes more until you're well rested.
You can't catch up on lost sleep
Good news! It may take a few days or weeks, but you can in fact catch up on sleep, experts say. If you've had a busy week or two, try tracking on 15 minutes a night until you feel well rested, After you're caught up, try to establish a consistent sleep routine by going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same hour every morning. This causes your levels of melatonin, a hormone that governs your wake/sleep cycle, to soar at the same time every night--which helps you fall asleep on cue.
Counting sheep can help you fall asleep
This will only stimulate your brain and make you more alert, experts say. If you don't nod off within 15 to 20 minutes of hitting the sack, get out of bed and listen to classical music or read a book. Then return to bed once you feel sleepy.
