"Newborns do not know the difference between day and night. They do not have established sleep–wake rhythms" ("Typical sleep behavior in newborns," n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Gradually, at around the age of 3 months and up, most infants usually start to adapt to the rhythm of day and night

• Infants are not capable to distinguish between day or night

  
  

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• In a 24-hour period, newborns sleep for about 12 to 16 hours

• Newborn babies generally have short sleep cycles around 20-50 minutes long

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Infants usually sleep in short periods of time as they need feeding from time to time

• Newborns tend to wake up a few times at night so they can accommodate their needs such as feeding and changing

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Play with the infant during day time by exposing them to light, this will help them learn to sleep at night

• Ensure that the environment for newborns are dim and quiet especially at night

"Toddlers will usually sleep for longer periods overnight, but night waking is still common in some toddlers" ("Typical sleep behavior in toddlers," n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Toddlers usually wake in between sleep during night time but not as frequent as infants

• They sleep longer at night

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• Ages between 1-3 years old generally sleep around 10 to 14 hours during a 24-hour period of time

• Toddlers usually take naps for about 1 to 3 hours per day

• Most of them may want to stay up at night with their family and start to resist going to bed to sleep

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Toddlers feel the need to be comforted by an adult especially when they are having fears or bad dreams

• They need to be urged to go to sleep and be reminded of sleep time

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Keep a toddler's room dark or have familiar objects such as toys around them to help them sleep

• Keep a bedtime routine with toddlers so they can associate and familiarize themselves with the pattern

  
  

"Many preschoolers experience nightmares and night terrors. This can make getting to sleep more difficult. It means preschoolers may also wake more frequently overnight and call out to you" ("Typical sleep behavior in preschoolers," n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Most children experience challenges in sleeping at night especially due to night terrors

• Day-time naps gradually decreases and stops by the time the child starts school

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• Children between ages 4-9 years old generally sleep around 10 to 13 hours within a 24-hour period of time

• Some children will no longer have daytime naps due to school activities and outdoor playtime

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Some preschoolers and children between 6-9 years old will experience nightmares and may need to get into bed with their parent for comfort.

• This age group needs about 9 up to 10.5 hours of sleep each night

  
  

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Use reward charts for developing the child’s sleep behavior (this method demonstrates a positive behavior or a goal that the child needs to achieve)

• Follow the minimum and maximum recommended hours of sleep and hours of nap each day

  
  

  
  

"The recommended sleep duration for adolescents aged 14-17 years is 8 to 10 hours per night, as suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society" (American Academy of Sleep Medicine & Sleep Research Society, n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Adolescents typically stays awake later at night and wake up later in the morning as compared to children

• Early school start times and schedules generally affect their sleep cycles

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• Irregular sleep patterns are common to adolescents or teenagers due to external factors such as academics, activities, and high-level of screen time

• Not every adolescent is similar, however, most of them usually sleeps around 7 up to 9 hours each day

• Most adolescents do not take day time naps

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Ages between 14-17 years old need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night

• For some, sticking to a bed time routine is needed to keep up with school start times

SLEEP RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Adolescents should limit screen time and prioritize sleep at night to promote better sleep quality

• Exercising during the day, listening to calming music or reading before sleep are also encouraged

Most people find that aging causes them to have a harder time falling asleep. They wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning (MedlinePlus, n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Middle-aged people often find it difficult to fall in deep sleep at night

• Difficulty in sleeping often results from factors such as stress, lifestyle, sleep disorders and some illnesses

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• At night, most individuals in this age group find it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep due to stress

• Some individuals sleep less than 8 hours due to insomnia and other sleep disorders (impacts their overall sleep quality)

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Most middle-aged individuals need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night

• These individuals need enough sleep to cope with stress and daily work and personal activities

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• It is encouraged to keep a comfortable sleep environment with dim and cozy bed

• It is also advised to manage stress through meditation in order to combat sleep disorders that may negatively impact sleep quality

• Middle-aged people should also keep a healthy lifestyle by doing regular exercise and keeping a balanced diet

• Consuming less caffeine and alcohol will be beneficial for middle-aged people to improve the quality of their sleep

"Older people wake up more often because they spend less time in deep sleep. Other causes include needing to get up and urinate (nocturia), anxiety, and discomfort or pain from long-term (chronic) illnesses" (MedlinePlus, n.d.).

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• Seniors often do not experience deep sleep

• They tend to be more awake during the night

• This age group often goes to bed early and wakes up early at the same time

SLEEP PATTERNS:

• Most seniors find it difficult to fall asleep fast and they often experience awakenings in the middle of the night

• They often sleep less than 8 hours every night

SLEEP NEEDS:

• Seniors require at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health

• Some seniors feel rested even with less sleep but these are all subject to every individual's lifestyle and health conditions

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Is it advised that Seniors maintain a healthy and consistent sleep schedule

• Keeping a comfortable and relaxing bedtime routine is helpful among the elderly (comfortable mattress and pillows)

Corley, H. (2022, December 23). Differences Between a Baby, Newborn, Infant, & Toddler. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/difference-between-baby-newborn-infant-toddler-293848#:~:text=When%20Is%20a%20Baby%20Considered,walk%20or%20one%20who%20toddles.

Ages and Stages. (2022, March 30). Verywell Family. https://verywellfamily.com/ages-and-stages-4157393#:~:text=Early%20childhood%20(birth%20to%20age,than%20others%2C%20and%20that’s%20OK.

Adolescent health. (2019, July 18). https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/adolescent-health#:~:text=WHO%20defines%20’Adolescents’%20as%20individuals,15%2D24%20year%20age%20group.

Middle age | Aging, Longevity & Health. (2023, October 26). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/middle-age

Age. (2023, November 14). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/age#:~:text=The%20National%20Institute%20on%20Aging,definitions%20of%20older%20adulthood%20vary.

Typical sleep behaviour (1) – newborns 0 to 3 months. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typical-sleep-behaviour-nb-0-3-months#newborn-sleep-patterns-and-behaviours

Typical sleep behaviour (4) – toddlers 1 to 2 years. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typical-sleep-behaviour-nb-1-2-years#toddler-sleep-patterns-and-behaviours-1-to-2-years

Typical sleep behaviour (6) – preschoolers 3 to 5 years. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typical-sleep-behaviour-preschoolers-3-5-years

Sleep For Young Children: How Much Sleep Does My Child Need? Are Naps Necessary? (n.d.). Texas Children’s Hospital. https://www.texaschildrens.org/blog/2012/10/sleep-young-children-how-much-sleep-does-my-child-need-are-naps-necessary#:~:text=6%20to%207%2Dyear%2Dolds,hours%20of%20sleep%20each%20night.

Aging changes in sleep: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004018.htm#:~:text=Sleep%20patterns%20tend%20to%20change,to%207%20hours%20per%20night).