A complete sleep cycle is about 90 minutes: N1 (light) → N2 (medium) → N3 (deep) → REM (rapid eye movement). Deep sleep repairs the body; REM consolidates memory. You need 4-6 complete cycles per night.
Sleep needs vary. Some are "short sleepers" (6 hours is enough), others need 9 hours. Quality matters more than quantity — do you wake naturally at the end of a cycle?
Maintain regular sleep schedule, control light exposure (sunlight during day, avoid blue light at night), optimize bedroom environment (18-22°C), avoid intense exercise and heavy meals before bed.