Sleeping patterns

Definition

Sleeping patterns refer to the regular and recurring sleep-wake cycles that individuals experience. These patterns can vary in duration and quality.

Related terms

Circadian rhythm: The internal biological process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle over approximately 24 hours.

Melatonin:

A hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, which helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle.

Sleep deprivation:

The condition of not getting enough sleep, leading to various negative effects on physical and mental health.