Normal Variations of Sleep

Abstract

Basic aspects of sleep were presented in Chaps. 2 and 3. This chapter extends this information to the many normal variations of sleep and related factors about sleep. It will define sleepiness, good sleep, sleep inertia. It will discuss short versus long sleepers, morning larks versus night owls, sleep in women versus men. In addition there is information about why teens and college students are so sleepy, how to determine how much sleep you need, the ways electronic devices interfere with a good night’s sleep, and the value of a well-timed nap. Finally, it will review the differences between people who are sleepy and others who are very alert, the ability to awaken without an alarm, yawning, co-sleeping. Now that we have reviewed many basic aspects of sleep in Chaps. 2 and 3, we can explore its normal variations and related factors. In this chapter, we will define sleepiness, good sleep, sleep inertia. We will discuss short versus long sleepers, morning larks versus night owls, and sleep in women versus men. You will learn why teens and college students are so sleepy, how to determine how much sleep you need, the ways electronic devices interfere with a good night’s sleep, and the value of a well-timed nap. Finally, we will review the differences between people who are sleepy and others who are very alert, the ability to awaken without an alarm, yawning, and co-sleeping. Sleep problems and pathologies will be discussed in Chaps. 12 and 13.