The amount of sleep a person needs changes throughout life. Experts generally recommend that school-age children between 6 and 12 years old get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers need about 8 to 10 hours, more than most adults require.
Growing bodies and developing brains need more rest because sleep supports physical growth, memory, and emotional regulation during these important years. Consistently getting less sleep than recommended can build up what's known as 'sleep debt,' which can affect mood, focus, and even physical health over time.
Sleep needs can also vary slightly from person to person, but consistently sleeping far below the recommended range, even if someone feels used to it, is generally linked to lower alertness and poorer performance at school or in sports.