Sleep Pattern: An Overview
Sleep is an essential part of life and is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Sleep patterns are the changes in sleeping habits and patterns over time. They are largely regulated by circadian rhythms and can vary greatly between individuals and age groups. This article will provide an overview of sleep patterns, common sleep disturbances, and the importance of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.
Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms are biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle which regulate sleep, wakefulness, alertness, and fatigue. The body’s internal clock is controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a group of cells in the brain that are sensitive to light and dark. Circadian rhythms are influenced by environmental cues, such as light exposure, noise, and temperature. This helps to maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Sleep Patterns
Sleep patterns vary from person to person and with age. Infants and young children typically need more sleep than adults, with newborns requiring up to 18 hours of sleep per day. Older adults may need less sleep than young adults and may even have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, people who work night shifts often experience disruption to their normal sleep patterns.
Common Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are common and can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic medical conditions. Common sleep disturbances include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, daytime sleepiness, and nightmares. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting over 10% of adults in the United States. Other common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and parasomnias.
Importance of Sleep
Sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Sleep helps to regulate hormones, maintain a healthy immune system, and promote healing and growth. Poor sleep can lead to physical and mental health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
Conclusion
Sleep patterns vary between individuals and age groups, and can be influenced by circadian rhythms and environmental factors. Common sleep disturbances can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic medical conditions. Sleep is important for physical and mental health, and poor sleep can lead to numerous health problems.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Buysse, D.J., Monk, T.H., Berman, S.R., & Kupfer, D.J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: A new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Research, 28(2), 193-213.
National Sleep Foundation (2017). Sleep Duration and Quality: Age-Related Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-duration-and-quality-age-related-recommendations.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (2016). Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/sleep-disorders/insomnia.