4.1.3 (6D) - sleep across the lifespan

Question 1

As we age

Answer 1

• Total amount of sleep decrease (attributed to reduction of melatonin release).
• Proportion of REM decrease (attributed to more disrupted sleep due to possible condition + noises).

Question 2

Neonatal + infancy

Answer 2

Newborns = 16hrs (REM + NREM = 50/50)
By age 2 = reduce to 12-13hrs (REM = 35%, NREM = 75%).
Higher REM due to rapid brain development.

Question 3

Childhood

Answer 3

11hrs (2yrs = 12hrs, 12yrs = 10hrs).
REM = 20%, NREM = 80% (stabilises for rest of lifespan).
REM decreases due to brain development steadies + facilitates for physical growth.

Question 4

Adolescence

Answer 4

9hrs (REM = 20%, NREm = 80%).
Delayed sleep phase syndrome
- Due to social factors + circadian phase disorders (body clocks not in alignment with demands of environment).

Question 5

Adulthood + old age

Answer 5

Adults (8hrs), elderly (6hrs), REM = 20%, NREM = 80%.
Fragmented sleep + advanced sleep phase disorder is common.
- Reduced amount of cognitive + physical growth, don’t do much throughout the day, as well as ill-health + sleep disorders.