Find the best time to sleep or wake up based on sleep cycles.
Sleep is organized into cycles lasting approximately 90 minutes each. A complete night's sleep typically includes 4-6 cycles. Each cycle progresses through light sleep (stages 1-2), deep sleep (stage 3), and REM sleep. Waking at the end of a cycle, during light sleep, helps you feel more refreshed.
This calculator counts backward from your desired wake time in 90-minute intervals, adding about 14 minutes for the average time to fall asleep. It provides multiple bedtime options based on 4, 5, or 6 complete sleep cycles.
Adults typically need 7-9 hours (4-6 cycles). Teenagers need 8-10 hours, children 9-12 hours, and infants 12-16 hours. Quality matters as much as quantity — deep sleep is crucial for physical recovery, while REM sleep supports memory and learning.
Maintain consistent sleep and wake times, create a dark and cool bedroom, avoid screens 30 minutes before bed, limit caffeine after noon, exercise regularly but not close to bedtime, and manage stress through relaxation techniques. Good sleep hygiene improves both sleep quality and duration.