The evolution of sleep through the ages | A journey from cradle to old age with your own ergonomic pillow
Sleep has its own evolution, profound changes as we age. While remaining one of the most important components of human life, essential for physical and mental well-being, throughout life, from birth to old age, the way we sleep changes significantly. We will therefore see how sweet sleep evolves through the different stages of life and what the implications are for our health .
Sleep in infants and children
Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, with sleep cycles lasting only a few hours. This is due to their need for rapid growth and development. On average, a newborn sleeps between 14 and 17 hours a day, distributed in short, frequent periods.
As children grow, sleep duration gradually decreases. Preschool-aged children need approximately 10 to 13 hours of sleep, while school-aged children require between 9 and 11 hours. During childhood, sleep is characterized by a greater amount of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is essential for brain development. It is at this stage that the brain consolidates information learned throughout the day, a process critical for learning and memory.
Adolescence: A time of change
Adolescence is a period of transition not only physically but also in sleep management. Teens need about 8-10 hours of sleep to keep things running smoothly, but they often fall short of this goal due to school schedules and social commitments. During this stage, adolescents' body clock naturally shifts toward a delayed sleep pattern, causing them to fall asleep and wake up later than children. This phenomenon is known as "sleep phase delay".
Sleep deprivation in adolescents can have significant consequences, including concentration problems, irritable mood and an increased risk of accidents. Furthermore, studies have shown that chronic lack of sleep at this stage can negatively affect academic performance and emotional well-being.
Adulthood: Stabilization and new challenges
During adulthood, sleep needs remain relatively stable, averaging 7-9 hours per night. However, a busy lifestyle and work and family responsibilities can often interfere with achieving adequate sleep. Sleep quality can also be compromised by factors such as stress, anxiety and poor eating habits.
Lack of sleep in adulthood can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Furthermore, lack of sleep has been linked to reduced cognitive abilities and an increased risk of accidents at work and driving.
Old age: Sleep changes again
As we age, our sleep structure changes again. Older adults tend to sleep less deeply and may wake up more frequently during the night. Total sleep duration may decrease to approximately 6-7 hours per night. Additionally, older people may experience a change in their circadian rhythm, tending to wake up and go to bed earlier.
These changes can be influenced by various factors, including chronic medical conditions, medications, and a decrease in levels of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. While it is normal for sleep to change with age, it is important for older adults to maintain healthy sleep habits to prevent health problems.
How to improve sleep at any age
Regardless of age, there are strategies that can help improve sleep quality:
- Regular sleep routine : Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps stabilize your body clock.
- Comfortable sleep environment : A dark, quiet and cool bedroom can promote better sleep.
- Limit the use of electronic devices : The blue light emitted by phones and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin.
- Regular physical activity : Exercise can improve the quality of your sleep, but it's best to avoid doing strenuous activities right before bed.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol : These substances can disturb sleep and should be avoided in the evening hours.
- Choose the right supports : Rely on an ergonomic memory foam pillow that can support your head and allow you to wake up in the morning in perfect shape, free of pain due to incorrect posture at night.
As we have seen, sleep is a dynamic process that changes significantly throughout life. Understanding these transformations and adapting your habits can help ensure quality sleep at any age. From cradle to old age, sleep remains an essential component of health and well-being, and taking care of it is essential for a long and healthy life.