Sleep Across Lifespan

Children typically transition to monophasic sleep by age six, establishing a long-term sleep pattern that persists into adulthood. Fascinatingly, fetuses experience a sleep-like state resembling REM sleep, leading to movements felt by mothers. Infants require an astonishing 14 to 17 hours of sleep daily, highlighting the critical role of sleep in early development. Additionally, the unique sleep behaviors of various species, such as bats and birds, reveal the intricate adaptations of sleep across the animal kingdom.