Exploring the Evolution of Sleep Patterns From Infancy to Adolescence

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 7; p. e64759
• Main Authors: Goel, Paula, Goel, Ashish
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 17-07-2024
• Subjects: Behavior; Child development; Circadian rhythm; Cognitive ability; Cognitive development; Cultural differences; Eye movements; Families & family life; Growth hormones; Influence; Melatonin; Menstruation; Parents & parenting; Puberty; Sleep deprivation; Teenagers; Testosterone; childhood sleep; school sleep policies; infant sleep; child and adolescent; sleep pattern; adolescent medicine; development of brain function
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64759
• EISSN: 2168-8184

Sleep is a critical component of healthy development, particularly during the formative years from infancy through adolescence. Sleep undergoes continuous change throughout life characterized by frequent awakenings and a high proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during infancy, changes in sleep architecture, an increase in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep during adolescence, and an eventual decrease in REM sleep in old age. Adequate sleep is therefore essential for cognitive development, especially between ages 10 and 16. Sleep deprivation may negatively affect academic performance, attention regulation, and emotional well-being. Biological factors, such as hormonal changes during puberty, significantly influence sleep patterns, leading to later bedtimes and a tendency for chronic sleep deprivation in adolescents. Environmental factors, including light exposure and screen time, also play a critical role in regulating sleep. This paper examines the evolution of sleep patterns across infancy and adolescence, describing changes in sleep architecture, timing, and regulation. The influence of biological, environmental, and socio-cultural factors on sleep is explored, highlighting how these factors collectively shape sleep behaviors and health outcomes. It also addresses the profound role sleep plays in cognitive development, brain maturation, and emotional well-being. The importance of understanding sleep patterns and their developmental trajectories to address sleep-related issues is emphasized. Promoting healthy sleep from an early age can enhance cognitive and emotional outcomes, contributing to better academic performance and overall well-being in children and adolescents. The findings advocate for further standardized sleep intervention programs globally to prioritize sleep health and support optimal development.