UK Sleep Calculator: Get Enough Sleep To Wake Up Feeling Your Best (2022)

When we go to bed at night, we embark on a journey. 🧳

Our brain activity, breathing and body temperature change constantly during the night.

Although we don't move, we are very active. 🏃‍♂️

By the time we open our eyes again the next morning, our bodies have gone through several sleep cycles.

If we go through too few cycles or are awakened at the wrong point, it will have a negative impact on our rest, mood and performance throughout the day. 🌞

Getting enough sleep is just as important for your health as food and water.

Getting the right amount of sleep can help prevent disease, boost immunity and improve mental health! 👩

Our sleep calculator will help make sure you get your bedtime right and know when to set your alarm clock to get just the right amount of sleep!👇

A single sleep cycle for an adult human lasts an average of 90 minutes.

Each cycle is made up of four different sleep phases.

These phases repeat until the point when we wake up.

Each of the stages of sleep is characterised by certain features.

The deep sleep and REM sleep phases are especially important for our rest and recovery. 🔁

Phase 1 non-REM sleep: Falling asleep

The falling asleep phase begins from the moment we turn off the light and close our eyes. 🥱

This is where our heart rate, breathing and brain activity slows down.

This phase is unique as it is (usually) only part of our first sleep cycle.

In subsequent cycles, the body skips this phase and goes directly into a light sleep. 😴

Phase 2 non-REM sleep: Light sleep

While our eyes are still moving during the falling asleep phase, they come to rest completely during light sleep.

At the same time, our muscles slowly relax and we slide step-by-step into a deeper sleep. 💤

On average, we spend about half of the night in a light sleep phase.

Phase 3 non-REM sleep: Deep sleep

Finally, we reach the deep sleep phase, where our body can best recover. 💆

In this phase, our body activity is at its absolute minimum.

We are never more relaxed than during this phase. 🛌

The deep sleep phase is when our muscles, brain and immune system are able to recover.

We usually spend 30 minutes per sleep cycle in the deep sleep phase.

REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)

Suddenly, everything changes.

From one second to the next, our eyes begin to flicker and our brain activity increases. 🧠

This is because we have reached the famous REM phase.

This occurs between the end of one sleep cycle and the beginning of a new one.

The REM phase is where we dream.

Images, conversations, feelings and memories are awakened and classified in this phase. 🔎

After about 10 minutes in the REM phase, we either wake up briefly or return to light sleep.

The end of a REM sleep phase is widely considered the best time to get up. ⏰

How much sleep a person needs depends on their age and how long it takes them to fall asleep.

Babies need a longer sleep duration, while older adults need less sleep.

Our sleep cycle calculator takes different age groups into consideration – so everyone can use our sleep calculator! 🧮

The amount of sleep needed does not vary by gender. 🚺

Men and women need the same amount of sleep.

However, the physical differences in women and men can cause differences in sleep behaviour.

Women's sleep quality is related to hormones.

Many women experience different depths of sleep during their menstrual cycle. 🌖

The majority of women who have trouble with sleep related to their menstrual cycle have problems just before and after the start of menstruation.

Keeping a sleep diary for a few months can help you understand the impact of your cycle on the quality of your sleep.

In addition, many women report sleep disturbances during the menopause.

Improving sleep hygiene, which means creating a bedroom environment and routine that promotes consistent, uninterrupted sleep, is important.

This can help ensure you still go through the recommended number of 90-minute sleep cycles during the night.

Some women find that small adjustments to sleep habits, such as taking a warm bath before bed, decreases sleep disturbances.

Our sleep-wake rhythm is anchored in our genes and has existed for thousands of years.

Unlike our ancestors, we face modern sleep problems.

The world we live in today never sleeps.

Trains, aeroplanes, cars, screens, mobile phones, televisions, laptops - there are always lights burning somewhere and sounds disturbing the night. 📱

In particular, the blue light emitted from mobile phones is known to be disruptive to sleep patterns as it has a stimulating effect on the body and your brain waves.

Living according to the natural rhythm of the sun has become increasingly difficult. 🌇

Many people complain about problems falling asleep and sleep disorders are increasingly common.

Modern problems need modern solutions.

We’ve rounded up some of the best modern sleep accessories from duvets to pillows that can help you drift off into a comfortable sleep. 😴

Here are our favourite sleep accessories:

Understanding your sleep cycle is an important part of making sure you get the right amount of sleep.

Our sleep calculator can help you calculate the amount of sleep you need for your age.

As you start to understand how much sleep you need, you can begin to make small adjustments to your sleep schedule and environment to get a better sleep. 😴

Using a sleep calculator is the perfect place to start!