Sleep in the neonatal period (1-15 days)
- New borns sleep for approximately 16 hours.
- Approximately 50% of the sleep episode is REM and 50% is NREM sleep.
Why is REM sleep high in the neonatal period and infancy?
REM sleep is significantly high in the neonatal period, as newborns infants are experiencing rapid brain development.
Sleep during the infancy period (3-24 months)
- Sleep duration decreases to approximately 13.5 hours.
- 35% REM and 65% NREM.
Why does REM sleep decrease during childhood?
REM sleep decreases, as the rate of brain development steadies.
Sleep during childhood (2-14 years)
- Decreases to approximately 11 hours.
- Proportion of NREM increases to approximately 80%, and REM decreases to approximately 20%.
Sleep during adolescence (14-18 years)
- Sleep duration decreases to approximately 9 hours.
- Proportion of REM and NREM remains fairly constant, at 20% REM and 80% NREM.
- Adolescence are likely to experience a delayed sleep onset, by 1-2 hours, meaning they are likely to sleep later and wake up later.
Why are sleep patterns likely to change during adolescence, such as a delayed sleep onset?
Sleep patterns can change due to a variety of social factors that play a role in the decreased proportion of sleep, such as having to wake up early for school, and having social commitments during the night time.
Adolescence are also more prone to circadian phase disorders, in which their body clocks are not in alignment with the demands of their environment.
Sleep during young adulthood (18-30 years).
- Sleep duration decreases to approximately 7 hours.
- Proportion of REM and NREM remains fairly constant, by 20% REM and 80% NREM.
Middle adulthood (30-75 years)
- sleep duration remains approximately at 7-8 hours.
- The proportion of REM and NREM remains fairly constant, at 20% REM and 80% NREM.
Old age (75+)
- Sleep duration continues to decrease to approximately 6 hours.
- The proportion of REM and NREM remains fairly constant at 20% REM and 80% NREM
Why may older adults experience lower levels of sleep?
In older adults, lower levels of sleep tends to be attributed to ill health, and an increase in the prevalence of sleep disorders.
Why do peoples sleep requirements change overtime?
An individuals sleep requirements change because their cognitive and physical needs change overtime.
What is REM sleep important for?
REM sleep has been suggested to be important for brain and cognitive development and rest.
What is NREM sleep important for?
NREM sleep has been suggested to be important for physiological development and rest.
