How sleep works: Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep, although individual needs vary. Sleep alternates between non-REM and REM stages throughout the night; the pattern changes from person to person and across the night.
The infographic below was published in 2017. It is preserved as a historical visual, and its product references and statistics may be outdated. Use the current sources below for sleep guidance.
How to read the sleep cycle
Non-REM sleep includes lighter stages and deep sleep. REM sleep recurs across the night and is associated with vivid dreaming. Brief awakenings can occur; a healthy night does not require a perfectly identical sequence or exact percentage of each stage.
What a sleep tracker can tell you
Consumer trackers estimate sleep and wake patterns from signals such as movement, heart rate and breathing. Their stage estimates are not a diagnosis and should not replace a clinical sleep study. Look at patterns alongside how you feel instead of treating one night’s score as a medical result. Discuss persistent insomnia, loud snoring or breathing interruptions with a clinician.
Practical ways to support sleep
- Allow enough time for sleep and keep a reasonably consistent schedule.
- Make the bedroom comfortable, quiet and dark, and notice whether temperature interferes with rest.
- Use the hour before bed for quieter activities and consider how caffeine, alcohol or late meals affect you.
Sources: NIH sleep duration guidance, NIH healthy sleep habits and CDC adult sleep data. See also our Eight Sleep Pod review.
The original Eight Sleep infographic
The following infographic was created by Eight Sleep. Eight Sleep now markets the Pod, a temperature-control system with a sensor-equipped cover. Its app provides estimates including sleep patterns, heart rate and breathing rate; features and subscription terms depend on the current product. A full review of the Eight Sleep system can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Infographic On How We Sleep
Is the Eight Sleep mattress pad worth the investment for better sleep tracking?
Value depends on whether you want bed temperature control and estimated sleep metrics enough to justify the product and any subscription cost. A tracker is not a medical diagnostic device.
Who is the Eight Sleep system best for, considering its features?
The Eight Sleep system is best for individuals who are serious about understanding and optimizing their sleep with advanced technology. Its automatic tracking of various sleep metrics, as mentioned in the article excerpt, provides valuable insights for those looking to improve their rest.
How does the current Eight Sleep Pod compare with a traditional mattress?
Eight Sleep's current Pod uses a cover and a temperature-control system; check compatibility with your mattress and current product options before ordering. The original infographic refers to an earlier generation.
What are the potential downsides of relying on a sleep tracker like the Eight Sleep pad?
A potential downside could be an over-reliance on data, potentially leading to anxiety about sleep performance if numbers aren't always ideal. However, the Eight Sleep pad's automatic tracking aims to provide objective data to inform better sleep habits, rather than cause undue stress.
Is the Eight Sleep system good for hot sleepers, given its temperature tracking feature?
The Pod can actively adjust bed temperature, which may help some hot sleepers feel more comfortable. Individual results vary; check current compatibility, pricing and features.
Can I try mattresses at Yawnder’s showroom?
Yawnder's Encinitas showroom offers mattresses to try. Contact the showroom to ask about current floor models before visiting.
Want to test this in person? Visit our Encinitas showroom or call 858-232-5760.
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