Sleep Duration, Timing, and Napping as Components of Healthy Sleep

Abstract

Although optimal sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, questions exist regarding the sufficient duration of sleep, appropriate timing of sleep, and whether or not naps are helpful or harmful. Generally speaking, for optimal sleep health, adults should aim to obtain between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per day. The optimal timing of this daily sleep is during the nocturnal hours. In regards to napping, evidence is mixed regarding whether napping represents a detriment to optimal sleep behavior. For those who engage in napping, characteristics of napping such as the duration, timing, regularity, and environment are important factors to consider.