Sleep Across the Lifespan

Flashcards about sleep patterns across the lifespan.

How many hours per day do 1-12 month olds sleep?

From 14-15 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 65+ year olds sleep?

From 7-8 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 1-3 year olds sleep?

From 12-14 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 12-18 year olds sleep?

From 6-8 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 18-65 year olds sleep?

From 7-9 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 3-6 year olds sleep?

From 10-12 hours per day.

How many hours per day do 7-12 year olds sleep?

From 10-11 hours per day.

Across the lifespan, what happens to the total amount of sleep?

The total amount of sleep decreases.

Across the lifespan, what happens to the proportion of REM sleep?

The proportion of REM sleep decreases significantly from birth until 2 years old.

Across the lifespan, what happens to the amount of N3 sleep?

The amount of N3 sleep decreases, replaced mostly by N2 sleep.

Across the lifespan, what circadian phase shift occurs during adolescence?

A circadian phase delay occurs.

Across the lifespan, what circadian phase shift occurs after adolescence?

A shift to a circadian phase advance occurs.

Across the lifespan, what happens to awakenings during sleep from adulthood to old age?

Awakenings during sleep increase.

Across the lifespan, what happens to sleep efficiency?

Sleep efficiency reduces.

Why do newborns require the highest amount of total sleep?

Newborns require the highest amount of total sleep for rapid growth and development.

Why do newborns experience the highest proportion of REM sleep?

REM sleep may boost brain growth and development, and help consolidate learning and memory. Muscle twitches may help newborns develop their sensorimotor system.

Why do infants begin to sleep for longer periods at a time?

Infants begin to sleep for longer periods at a time as their circadian rhythm develops a more regular sleep pattern following day-night cycles.

By the time a person is a toddler, what has happened to the proportion of REM sleep?

The proportion of REM sleep has had its greatest decline.

During the preschool years, what happens to the timing of the circadian rhythm?

The timing of the circadian rhythm may advance, and sleep shifts to earlier in the evening as children begin to drop their daytime naps.

From the early to late childhood years, what happens to the timing of the circadian rhythm?

The timing of the circadian rhythm gradually delays, and sleep shifts to later in the evening.

Why do adolescents experience a delay in the circadian rhythm?

Adolescents experience a delay in the circadian rhythm because of a hormonally determined shift in melatonin release to 1-2 hours later than other age groups.

Besides a hormonally determined shift, what else contributes to delayed bedtime in adolescents?

Increasing school-related requirements, increasing independence and easy access to entertainment and social networks also contribute to delayed bedtime.

What are sleep patterns in young adults altered by?

Psychosocial factors such as tertiary study, work requirements, social schedules and increased independence.

What circadian phase shift begins towards the end of the young adult stage?

A circadian phase advance begins, resulting in a preference for earlier sleep time. Melatonin concentrations also begin to decline after puberty.

What can adult sleep patterns be altered by?

Lifestyle changes such as caring for infants and children, changing work and social requirements, development of health problems and changing family dynamics.

Later in the adult stage, what happens to N3 sleep and melatonin concentrations?

N3 sleep begins to decline and is replaced by N2 sleep. Melatonin concentrations continue to decline.

What can sleep patterns in older adults be altered by?

Lifestyle changes such as retirement, increased health issues including sleep disorders, physical inactivity, decreased social interactions, increased medication use, change of living arrangements and bereavement.

What circadian phase shift occurs in older adults?

A circadian phase advance occurs. Amount of N3 sleep continues to decline and may not occur at all. Melatonin concentrations continue to decline.

Which age group's sleep onset is initially through REM sleep until around 2 to 3 months of age?

Newborns & infants.

During which stage of life does a gradual decline in stage 3 and 4 sleep begin?

Beginning in early adolescence.

Which age group has a tendency to have less than the required amount of total sleep time due to sleep–wake cycle shift that delays sleep onset time by 1 to 2 hours.?

Adolescents.

Which age group show a drastic decline in stage 3 and 4 sleep which may even become absent altogether?

Elderly people.

Which age group has the tendency to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning due to a forward sleep–wake cycle shift known as advanced sleep phase syndrome?

Elderly.