Final answer:
Sleep patterns indeed change over the lifespan, with varying amounts required in infancy, adulthood, and later in life. The regulation of sleep is controlled by circadian rhythms, which are synchronized with environmental light cues and can be disrupted by factors like jet lag or shift work. Sleep is essential for many physiological and psychological processes, highlighting the importance of adequate sleep across all ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep patterns indeed change over the life span, reflecting alterations in our circadian rhythms as well as the physiological needs of our bodies at different ages. During infancy, up to 16 hours of sleep may be required each day, while adults typically need around 7 to 8 hours. As we age, this amount often decreases even further. Understanding circadian rhythms, which are biological cycles that repeat approximately every 24 hours, is crucial since they are responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness in synchronization with the environment.
Factors such as exposure to light can adjust our circadian rhythms, which is why techniques like bright light therapy are used to manage certain sleep disorders. Chronic disruptions to these rhythms can lead to problems such as insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep is also crucial for a number of physiological and psychological functions, including growth, maturation, learning, and memory. Changes in the brain wave patterns, such as alpha, theta, and delta waves, mark different stages of sleep, each playing a distinctive role in our overall health and well-being.