In Brief
Age-Related Changes in Sleep
Sleep patterns and needs can change throughout our lifetimes. Here are some common changes in sleep that occur with age:
- Infants: Newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, and it is divided into several short periods of sleep that last from one to four hours.
- Children: Toddlers sleep for an average of 12 to 14 hours per day, including naps. As they grow older, the total amount of sleep they need each day decreases, and daytime naps become less frequent.
- Adolescents: Teenagers require around 8-10 hours of sleep per day, but many don’t get enough sleep due to academic or social pressures, which can lead to sleep deprivation.
- Adults: As adults age, the amount of deep sleep they experience tends to decrease, and they may wake up more frequently during the night. This may lead to a more fragmented sleep pattern.
- Older adults: Older adults may experience changes in their sleep patterns, including lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings, and a decreased ability to fall asleep. They may also wake up earlier in the morning and feel more tired during the day.
It’s important to remember that these changes are normal and natural parts of the ageing process, but if you have concerns about your sleep, you should talk to your healthcare provider.