Hello Laura,

So just how much nightly R and R does a person need? That can change throughout one's life based on age and other factors affecting the internal clock or "circadian rhythms." For most people, though, seven and a half to eight and a half hours of sleep each night fulfills the basic physical need.

Some people say, the amount of sleep needed is "very individual" and can range from as few as four or five hours to as many as nine or 10.

Take a look at the website below for information.

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/sleepsoc.html

Here aare some sleep tips for you:

Avoid alcoholic drinks in late evening.

Cut back on coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine.

Don't eat a large, late evening meal before going to bed.

Engage in some other form of exercise before going to bed.

Don't use your bedroom as a place to work.

Drink a warm milk drink before going to bed.

Get up and read or do something else, if you are unable to fall asleep within half an hour.

Take a warm bath before going to bed.

Avoid naps if they interfere with your normal sleep pattern.

Take a look at this website as well.

http://www.paralumun.com/sleeplessness.htm

I welcome your quesions.

Sincerely,

Terry