SLEEP-DETERMINANTS

SUMMARY

1. Homeostasis.

2. Circadian rhythm.

3. Ventrolateral preoptic nucleus: lesions decrease both REM & NREM sleep by 55%; these inhibit the cells involved in wakefulness, hence involved in normal sleep.

4. Age: strong determinant of sleep, time spent in stages 3 & 4 decreases by 10% to 15%, latency to fall asleep increases, number & duration of overnight arousal periods increase in elderly persons compared with young adults.

5. Drugs.

6. Ambient temperature.

7. Medical/psychiatric illness.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.