The Nature Of Sleep And Lifespan Changes Flashcards
Childhood
Children typically sleep for 12 hours a day and EEG patterns resemble that of adults
The amount of sleep gradually decrease
Parasomnias are common in children such as sleep walking and night terrors
Adolescence
Sleep durations increases. Boys often have orgasms and ejaculation during sleep.
They have a phase delay. Their circadian rhythms shift so teens stay awake later and wake up later
Adulthood
Typically 8 hours per night. 25% REM sleep.
Increased frequency of sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea
Old age
Sleep patterns change
Phase advance where they go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier
More difficulty going to sleep and wake up more frequently
REM sleep decreases to 20% of total sleep time
SWS decreases to 5%
May nap during the day to satisfy sleep needs
Infancy
Babies sleep for about 16 hours a day but not continuously. They wake every hour or so. They have 90 minute cycles.
They have an immature version of REM sleep and have lots of SWS
HALF of infant sleep is active REM:NREM
THEY DONT GO STRAIGHT INTO SWS . They go into light sleep and are easily awoken
By 6 months, children have one main sleep wake cycle with a few naps during the day
AO2
An evolutionary approach suggest that babies sleep for longer and take naps during the day to help their parents carry out their daily chores which enhances survival. And infants sleep pattern evolved because they have small stomachs and must wake and eat regularly.
Active sleep is associated with the production of neurotransmitters and consolidation of memories which both apply to infant development. Evidence for this comes from Dolphins who are born mature and have no REM sleep but babies are born immature so need lots of REM. Longer sleep patterns may be due to the learning that is taking place as REM sleep accounts for the highest proportion of sleep.
Tynjala et al found that sleep patterns may not be universal and cultural factors may play a role. He found that on average Israeli children slept the least of 8.5 hours while Swiss children slept the most at 9.5 hours. An important role seemed to be the role of the environment with children spending late nights outside the home meaning the slept late. This highlights that sleep patterns may not be dictated by nature and biology but also the environment.
Wolfson and carskadon said due to phase delay during adolescence schools should adjust their school day to fit delayed sleep phase syndrome which is typical of teens and it means they have poorer attention spans in the morning.
Kripke et al suggested a link with higher amounts of sleep being linked to higher mortality rates. He surveyed 1 million adults and found those sleeping 6-7 hours had a reduced rate of mortality where as sleeping 8 hours had a 15% increase in mortality. And sleeping more than 10 hours was linked to 30% increase. Study is based on Correlational research and other confounding variables may lay in between. People may sleep for longer because of illness anyway and therefore can’t be certain of cause and effect.
Reduction of sleep in old age could be explained by health problems disturbing sleep, sleep apnoea or medical illnesses. Health problems could also explain why SWS is lower because they are being disturbed more.
IDA
A developmental approach says the life span approach is important because it recognises that sleep patterns are not consistent but change as we age. This has led to new understanding of for example some of the effects of ageing.
Cultural differences Tynjala
