Sleep Across The Lifespan

Question 1

Sleep by age

Answer 1

Babies approximately 16 hours per day
by 1 year they sleep about 12- 13 hours.

3-5 yr olds sleep 10-12 hours.

Teenagers need 9-10 hours

Adults (from 20 yrs) require approx 8 hours.

Elderly need only 5-7 hours.

Question 2

REM v NREM Ratio by age

Answer 2

Babies – REM 50% to NREM 50%

Childhood to adulthood – REM 20% to NREM 80%

Old Age – REM 15% to NREM 85%

Question 3

Why does sleep change as you age

Answer 3

Total amount of sleep is relative to:
- Production of growth hormone which decreases with age
- Development of circadian rhythms

• Distribution of NREM to REM is relative to:
- Replenishment needs (restoration theory)