Quick sleep onset may signal serious health risks, experts warn

Falling asleep in five minutes or less may indicate serious sleep deprivation, according to the Sleep Health Foundation. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but many do not meet this standard. Experts classify sleep onset latency under five minutes as a "severe" risk, while a healthy range is five to 20 minutes. Quick sleep onset may suggest excessive sleepiness or medical issues like narcolepsy, while longer times could indicate insomnia. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and depression. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter sleep aids, and consultations with sleep specialists for underlying issues.