What Problems Can Be Diagnosed? | Other Sleep Related Disorders
Pediatric Sleep Disorders | Sleep Disorder Checklist | Basic Sleep Patterns

Basic Sleep Patterns
 
Sleep patterns vary from person to person. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep, although some people need less than four and others more than ten. When an individual's sleep is adequate, that person should feel alert throughout the day.
 
We can determine your sleep needs by measuring daytime alertness. Some people fall asleep when they should normally be able to stay awake. This could be very dangerous. Such abnormal sleep is a sign of several different sleep disorders and can be successfully treated.
 
Sleep patterns change with aging. Infants may sleep up to sixteen hours per day, while the elderly may experience more disturbed sleep and greater need for naps. Daytime naps may disturb sleep for some people, but for others they are a normal part of a healthy sleep-wake pattern.