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 [Skip to main content](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986#main-content) [Harvard Health Publishing ](https://www.health.harvard.edu/) [Harvard Health Publishing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/) [HarvardHealthOnline+](https://www.health.harvard.edu/hho-plus?utm_source=site&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=top_button) Search [Customer Service](https://www.health.harvard.edu/customer-service) [Content Licensing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/licensing) [About Us](https://www.health.harvard.edu/about-us) [Log In](https://www.health.harvard.edu/login) Open mobile menu [Free HealthBeat Signup](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat) Shop [Subscriptions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/subscribe) [Special Health Reports](https://www.health.harvard.edu/special-health-reports) [Online Courses](https://www.harvardhealthonlinelearning.com/catalog) [Pay Subscription Bill](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pay-bill) [Common Conditions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/common-conditions) [Staying Healthy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/staying-healthy) [Resources](https://www.health.harvard.edu/resources) [Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog) [COVID-19 Updates](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center) Close menu [HarvardHealthOnline+](https://www.health.harvard.edu/hho-plus?utm_source=site&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=mobile_button) ## Main Content - [Common Conditions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/common-conditions) - [Staying Healthy](https://www.health.harvard.edu/category/staying-healthy) - [Resources](https://www.health.harvard.edu/resources) - [Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog) ## Helpful Links - [Customer Service](https://www.health.harvard.edu/customer-service) - [About Us](https://www.health.harvard.edu/about-us) - [Content Licensing](https://www.health.harvard.edu/licensing) - [Free Healthbeat Signup](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat) - [Subscriptions](https://www.health.harvard.edu/subscribe) - [Special Health Reports](https://www.health.harvard.edu/special-health-reports) - [Online Courses](https://www.harvardhealthonlinelearning.com/) - [Pay Subscription Bill](https://www.health.harvard.edu/pay-bill) Close Recent Articles [ Understanding food noise - and how to turn down the volume](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/understanding-food-noise-and-how-to-turn-down-the-volume) [ Remedies for motion sickness: What works?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/preventive-care/remedies-for-motion-sickness-what-works) [ 4 keys to a heart-healthy diet](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/4-keys-to-a-heart-healthy-diet) [ Understanding exercise heart rate zones](https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/understanding-exercise-heart-rate-zones) [ Resistant starch: Can you make the carbs you eat a little healthier?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/resistant-starch-can-you-make-the-carbs-you-eat-a-little-healthier) [ Harvard study: A couple of daily cups of coffee or tea linked to lower dementia risk](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/harvard-study-a-couple-of-daily-cups-of-coffee-or-tea-linked-to-lower-dementia-risk) [ Does everyone benefit from cutting saturated fat in their diet?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/does-everyone-benefit-from-cutting-saturated-fat-in-their-diet) [ How to treat shoulder impingement](https://www.health.harvard.edu/bones-and-joints/how-to-treat-shoulder-impingement) [ Beyond protein: 6 other nutrients that help prevent muscle loss](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/beyond-protein-6-other-nutrients-that-help-prevent-muscle-loss) [ Advancements in knee replacement: More precise and personalized](https://www.health.harvard.edu/bones-and-joints/advancements-in-knee-replacement-more-precise-and-personalized) 1 / 10 [Healthy aging and longevity](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/healthy-aging-and-longevity) # How much sleep do you actually need? ## Sleep quality counts as much as hours logged. October 30, 2023 By [Matthew Solan](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/matthew-solan), Former Executive Editor, [*Harvard Men's Health Watch*](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens) - Reviewed by [Howard E. LeWine, MD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md), Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Share [Share this page to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&display=popup) [Share this page to X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&text=How%20much%20sleep%20do%20you%20actually%20need?%20-%20Harvard%20Health&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986) [Share this page via Email](<mailto:?subject=Great health news for you from the experts at Harvard&body=Check out this link from Harvard Health: How much sleep do you actually need? - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986>) Copy this page to clipboard Print This Page Click to Print  On average, how many hours do you sleep each night? For most healthy adults, guidelines suggest [at least seven hours](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html) of slumber. But these are general recommendations and not strict rules. "Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more," says Eric Zhou with the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. ## Do you need more or less sleep time? We get it: you know people who swear they only need five hours of sleep per night, yet you feel foggy unless you log in eight to nine hours. The major reason for individual differences is that we often look at sleep the wrong way. You may also be interested in...  ## Improving Sleep: A guide to a good night's rest When you wake up in the morning, are you refreshed and ready to go, or groggy and grumpy? For many people, the second scenario is all too common. Improving Sleep: A guide to a good night's rest describes the latest in sleep research, including information about the numerous health conditions and medications that can interfere with normal sleep, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat sleep disorders. Most importantly, you’ll learn what you can do to get the sleep you need for optimal health, safety, and well-being. [Read More](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=522804403&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=2744602&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22sleep%22%5D&mt=1775050087827518&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=41c7858608a9b2e8f61069d266e16326a70a94ad&location=) "Instead of focusing exclusively on the number of hours we sleep per night, we should also consider our sleep *quality*," says Zhou. Sleep quality means how well you sleep during the night. Did you sleep straight through? Or did you have periods where you woke up? If so, did it take you a long time to fall asleep? How did you feel when you woke up? "If you awaken refreshed and feel like you have the energy to get through your day, then I would worry less about the exact number of hours you're sleeping," says Zhou. ## How does sleep quality affect your health? Sleep quality is vital for our overall health. Research has shown that people with poor sleep quality are at a higher risk for diabetes, [heart disease](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/too-little-sleep-may-be-hard-on-your-heart), stroke, and [mental health](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079221001416) issues like anxiety and depression. And that's not all. "Poor sleep also can increase daytime fatigue and make it more difficult to enjoy life," says Zhou. Smart strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight  ## Lose Weight and Keep It Off Successful weight loss depends largely on becoming more aware of your behaviors and starting to change them. Instead of relying on willpower, this process demands skill power. This Special Health Report, Lose Weight and Keep It Off, offers a range of solutions that have worked for many people and can be tailored to your needs. [Learn More\!](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=524318303&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=3647184&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827700&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=e749ac8489bed2aabd452a168fe9ecfb72b577d0&location=) Yet it's normal for people's sleep patterns to change over time. "Many people are not going to sleep in their 50s and 60s exactly like they did in their 20s," says Zhou. Many of these changes are age-related. For instance, your [circadian rhythm](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx) — which regulates many bodily functions, including our sleep-wake cycle — can naturally get disrupted over time. This means people spend less time each night in restorative slow-wave sleep. Production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, also gradually declines with age. "As a result of these changes, when we get older we may start to wake up earlier than we did when we were younger, or wake up more frequently during the night," says Zhou. ## How can you track sleep quality? How can you better understand the factors likely contributing to your sleep quality? One way is to keep a sleep diary where you track and record your sleep. Every day, record the time you went to bed, how long it took you to fall asleep, whether you had any nighttime awakenings (and if so, how long you were awake), and at what time you woke up. Also, keep track of how you feel upon awakening and at the end of the day. You might also be interested in...  ## Harvard Health Publishing’s 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating This week-by-week plan, The Harvard Medical School 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating, will help you transform your eating habits into a program of nutritious and delicious food choices that can last a lifetime. Applying the latest results from nutrition science, Harvard experts take you by the hand and guide you to create an eating plan to improve heart health, longevity, energy, and vitality. [LEARN MORE](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=522376652&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=2486871&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827853&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=1512c1fbfc27304281029b8f73a797c4bac6f9e8&location=) "After a week or two, review the information to see if you can identify certain patterns that may be affecting your sleep quality, then make adjustments," says Zhou. For example, if you have trouble falling asleep, go to bed half an hour later than usual but maintain the same wake-up time. "It is common for people struggling with their sleep to try to get more sleep by staying in bed longer, but this disrupts their sleep patterns and diminishes their sleep quality," says Zhou. ## Three key strategies to support the quality of your sleep Other strategies that can help support good sleep quality include: - maintaining a consistent wake time, especially on weekends - limiting daytime naps to 20 to 30 minutes, and at least six hours before the desired bedtime - being physically active. When it comes to sleep quality, consistency is vital. "People with good sleep quality often have a predictable sleep window where their sleep occurs," says Zhou. "Good sleepers are likely to sleep around the same number of hours and stay asleep through the night." ## The bottom line on getting restful sleep It's unrealistic to expect perfect sleep every night. "If you have trouble sleeping one or two nights during the week, that can be related to the natural ebbs and flows of life," says Zhou. "You may have eaten a big meal that day, drank too much alcohol while watching football, or had a stressful argument with someone. When tracking sleep quality, look at your overall sleep health week-to-week, not how you slept this Tuesday compared to last Tuesday." You may be interested in...  ## Food is Medicine As nutrition research has accumulated, so has a growing consensus that diet ought to play a larger role in society’s overall approach to health. This “food is medicine” philosophy dovetails with a rising interest in lifestyle medicine and whole-person health care. The goal is not simply to treat disease, but to target the root causes of chronic conditions and, ideally, prevent them before they arise. [LEARN MORE](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=524382211&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=3703307&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22Healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827987&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=9426c44b1880e447ff7595aa975335da51cf75a0&location=) If you are doing all the right things for your sleep but still do not feel rested upon waking, talk to your doctor. This can help you rule out a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, or another health issue that can interfere with sleep such as acid reflux or high blood pressure. Other factors that can affect the quality of your sleep include taking multiple medicines, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and [environmental changes](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-big-sleep-problems) like temperature, noise, and light exposure. ## About the Author  Matthew Solan, Former Executive Editor, [*Harvard Men's Health Watch*](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens) Matthew Solan is the former executive editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. He previously served as executive editor for UCLA Health’s Healthy Years and as a contributor to Duke Medicine’s Health News and Weill Cornell Medical … [See Full Bio](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/matthew-solan) [View all posts by Matthew Solan](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/matthew-solan) ## About the Reviewer  Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. [See Full Bio](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md) [View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD](https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/howard-lewine-md) Share [Share this page to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&display=popup) [Share this page to X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&text=How%20much%20sleep%20do%20you%20actually%20need?%20-%20Harvard%20Health&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986) [Share this page via Email](<mailto:?subject=Great health news for you from the experts at Harvard&body=Check out this link from Harvard Health: How much sleep do you actually need? - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986>) Copy this page to clipboard Print This Page Click to Print ## Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Recent Articles [ Understanding food noise - and how to turn down the volume](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/understanding-food-noise-and-how-to-turn-down-the-volume) [ Remedies for motion sickness: What works?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/preventive-care/remedies-for-motion-sickness-what-works) [ 4 keys to a heart-healthy diet](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/4-keys-to-a-heart-healthy-diet) [ Understanding exercise heart rate zones](https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/understanding-exercise-heart-rate-zones) [ Resistant starch: Can you make the carbs you eat a little healthier?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/resistant-starch-can-you-make-the-carbs-you-eat-a-little-healthier) [ Harvard study: A couple of daily cups of coffee or tea linked to lower dementia risk](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/harvard-study-a-couple-of-daily-cups-of-coffee-or-tea-linked-to-lower-dementia-risk) [ Does everyone benefit from cutting saturated fat in their diet?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/does-everyone-benefit-from-cutting-saturated-fat-in-their-diet) [ How to treat shoulder impingement](https://www.health.harvard.edu/bones-and-joints/how-to-treat-shoulder-impingement) [ Beyond protein: 6 other nutrients that help prevent muscle loss](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/beyond-protein-6-other-nutrients-that-help-prevent-muscle-loss) [ Advancements in knee replacement: More precise and personalized](https://www.health.harvard.edu/bones-and-joints/advancements-in-knee-replacement-more-precise-and-personalized) 1 / 10 ## Related Topics [ Heart Health Addressing poor sleep may help heart health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/struggling-to-sleep-your-heart-may-pay-the-price-202203092701) [ Mind & Mood Yes, you can overcome malaise\!](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yes-you-can-overcome-malaise) [ Healthy aging and longevity Tips to master the power nap](https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/tips-to-master-the-power-nap) [Sleep](https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/sleep) ## Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox\! 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 On average, how many hours do you sleep each night? For most healthy adults, guidelines suggest [at least seven hours](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html) of slumber. But these are general recommendations and not strict rules. "Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more," says Eric Zhou with the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. ## Do you need more or less sleep time? We get it: you know people who swear they only need five hours of sleep per night, yet you feel foggy unless you log in eight to nine hours. The major reason for individual differences is that we often look at sleep the wrong way. You may also be interested in...  When you wake up in the morning, are you refreshed and ready to go, or groggy and grumpy? For many people, the second scenario is all too common. Improving Sleep: A guide to a good night's rest describes the latest in sleep research, including information about the numerous health conditions and medications that can interfere with normal sleep, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat sleep disorders. Most importantly, you’ll learn what you can do to get the sleep you need for optimal health, safety, and well-being. [Read More](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=522804403&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=2744602&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22sleep%22%5D&mt=1775050087827518&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=41c7858608a9b2e8f61069d266e16326a70a94ad&location=) "Instead of focusing exclusively on the number of hours we sleep per night, we should also consider our sleep *quality*," says Zhou. Sleep quality means how well you sleep during the night. Did you sleep straight through? Or did you have periods where you woke up? If so, did it take you a long time to fall asleep? How did you feel when you woke up? "If you awaken refreshed and feel like you have the energy to get through your day, then I would worry less about the exact number of hours you're sleeping," says Zhou. ## How does sleep quality affect your health? Sleep quality is vital for our overall health. Research has shown that people with poor sleep quality are at a higher risk for diabetes, [heart disease](https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/too-little-sleep-may-be-hard-on-your-heart), stroke, and [mental health](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079221001416) issues like anxiety and depression. And that's not all. "Poor sleep also can increase daytime fatigue and make it more difficult to enjoy life," says Zhou. Smart strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight  Successful weight loss depends largely on becoming more aware of your behaviors and starting to change them. Instead of relying on willpower, this process demands skill power. This Special Health Report, Lose Weight and Keep It Off, offers a range of solutions that have worked for many people and can be tailored to your needs. [Learn More\!](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=524318303&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=3647184&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827700&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=e749ac8489bed2aabd452a168fe9ecfb72b577d0&location=) Yet it's normal for people's sleep patterns to change over time. "Many people are not going to sleep in their 50s and 60s exactly like they did in their 20s," says Zhou. Many of these changes are age-related. For instance, your [circadian rhythm](https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx) — which regulates many bodily functions, including our sleep-wake cycle — can naturally get disrupted over time. This means people spend less time each night in restorative slow-wave sleep. Production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, also gradually declines with age. "As a result of these changes, when we get older we may start to wake up earlier than we did when we were younger, or wake up more frequently during the night," says Zhou. ## How can you track sleep quality? How can you better understand the factors likely contributing to your sleep quality? One way is to keep a sleep diary where you track and record your sleep. Every day, record the time you went to bed, how long it took you to fall asleep, whether you had any nighttime awakenings (and if so, how long you were awake), and at what time you woke up. Also, keep track of how you feel upon awakening and at the end of the day. You might also be interested in...  This week-by-week plan, The Harvard Medical School 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating, will help you transform your eating habits into a program of nutritious and delicious food choices that can last a lifetime. Applying the latest results from nutrition science, Harvard experts take you by the hand and guide you to create an eating plan to improve heart health, longevity, energy, and vitality. [LEARN MORE](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=522376652&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=2486871&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827853&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=1512c1fbfc27304281029b8f73a797c4bac6f9e8&location=) "After a week or two, review the information to see if you can identify certain patterns that may be affecting your sleep quality, then make adjustments," says Zhou. For example, if you have trouble falling asleep, go to bed half an hour later than usual but maintain the same wake-up time. "It is common for people struggling with their sleep to try to get more sleep by staying in bed longer, but this disrupts their sleep patterns and diminishes their sleep quality," says Zhou. ## Three key strategies to support the quality of your sleep Other strategies that can help support good sleep quality include: - maintaining a consistent wake time, especially on weekends - limiting daytime naps to 20 to 30 minutes, and at least six hours before the desired bedtime - being physically active. When it comes to sleep quality, consistency is vital. "People with good sleep quality often have a predictable sleep window where their sleep occurs," says Zhou. "Good sleepers are likely to sleep around the same number of hours and stay asleep through the night." ## The bottom line on getting restful sleep It's unrealistic to expect perfect sleep every night. "If you have trouble sleeping one or two nights during the week, that can be related to the natural ebbs and flows of life," says Zhou. "You may have eaten a big meal that day, drank too much alcohol while watching football, or had a stressful argument with someone. When tracking sleep quality, look at your overall sleep health week-to-week, not how you slept this Tuesday compared to last Tuesday." You may be interested in...  As nutrition research has accumulated, so has a growing consensus that diet ought to play a larger role in society’s overall approach to health. This “food is medicine” philosophy dovetails with a rising interest in lifestyle medicine and whole-person health care. The goal is not simply to treat disease, but to target the root causes of chronic conditions and, ideally, prevent them before they arise. [LEARN MORE](https://servedbyadbutler.com/redirect.spark?MID=186626&plid=2650436&setID=812675&channelID=0&CID=862911&banID=524382211&PID=0&textadID=0&tc=1&rnd=1468087508&scheduleID=3703307&adSize=0x0&matches=%5B%22Healthy%22%5D&mt=1775050087827987&spr=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.harvard.edu%2Fblog%2Fhow-much-sleep-do-you-actually-need-202310302986&request_uuid=af6da185-acbe-4636-bb5a-7bfc5b9ebcac&hc=9426c44b1880e447ff7595aa975335da51cf75a0&location=) If you are doing all the right things for your sleep but still do not feel rested upon waking, talk to your doctor. This can help you rule out a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, or another health issue that can interfere with sleep such as acid reflux or high blood pressure. Other factors that can affect the quality of your sleep include taking multiple medicines, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and [environmental changes](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-big-sleep-problems) like temperature, noise, and light exposure.