Sleep guidelines for every age group unveiled
The National Sleep Foundation in the US has updated its sleep time duration recommendations, based on analysis of an exhaustive range of research articles.
A total of 18 experts analysed the results of 320 research articles for the purpose – this number was whittled down from an original 2,412 on the basis of the strength of the studies.
The health benefits and also the risks associated with sleep were taken into consideration when the specialists made their recommendations. For example, too little, or too much sleep, can leave a person tired, unable to concentrate, depressed, anxious and in the long term there is an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
The new guidelines suggest children aged six to nine years old need 9-11 hours a night, but may get by on 7-8. Teenagers need 8-10 hours, but while 7 hours may be fine for some, sleeping more than 11 hours a day may be detrimental to their health.
One of the study’s experts, Dr Lydia DonCarlos from Loyola University, Chicago, said the circadian rhythm of teenagers naturally shifts to make them feel sleepy later at night and to wake up later. She warned that this is a normal phenomenon and nothing to do with being addicted to social media, as has been reported.
Adults aged 18 to 64 need to sleep for 7-9 hours a night, but some cope on 6. For people over the age of 64, the recommended amount is between 7-8 hours, although some survive on 5 hours sleep.
The recommendations are based on a number of varying studies that differ in their methodology – some were undertaken in laboratory conditions and others were not. The experts did not look at quality of sleep, for example, and whether people wake up in the night and don’t get back to sleep. Sleep architecture – how much rapid-eye movement or slow-wave sleep – was also not taken into account. People who experience higher quality sleep may survive on less than the recommended amounts, the experts added.
“We spend one third of our life asleep, but we know so little about it,” said DonCarlos, emphasising that more research on the topic is needed.
Weekend lie-ins driving obesity: study
Researchers work to reset circadian rhythms to prevent illnesses caused by disrupted sleep
Early bed time reduces negative thoughts: study
Anna Bjurstam of Six Senses Spas promotes the benefits of sleep
Nintendo to develop non-wearable sleep tracker device
Four Seasons in Maldives reveals night spa treatments by ila
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















