We spend an average of nearly a third of our lives asleep, and whilst we do know that sleep is crucial for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, there is much we still don’t know. Scientists undertaking studies and research are continually discovering more information about sleep - and we’re sharing some of them.
Fascinating Sleep Facts About Humans
1. We are the only mammals that willingly delay sleep.
2. On average, women need about 20 minutes more sleep than men.
3. Research has shown that you'll sleep better during a new moon, and worse during a full moon - although the reasons are unclear.
4. It is thought that up to 7% of the adult population are sleepwalkers - with a higher percentage amongst children.
5. Sleep talking is very common, with over two thirds of adults saying they have talked in their sleep.
6. There are five stages of sleep: wakefulness; transition between wakefulness and sleep (N1); light sleep (N2); deep sleep (N3) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Typically, you move through the stages in cycles and in order when you first fall asleep, but don't always follow that exact order through the night. A full cycle usually takes 90 - 110 minutes.
7. You can only dream about faces you have already seen.
8. On average, we spend about two hours dreaming per night.
9. Within 5 minutes of waking up, 50% of our dreams are forgotten.
10. Snoring is a common problem for both men and women, with about 40% of men and 24% of women being habitual snorers.
11. Tiredness tends to peak once during the day - usually around 2pm for most of us. This is known as the 'afternoon slump' and is why you can be less alert after lunch. Read more here.
12. A baby can cause new parents a loss of 750 hours of sleep in the first year. Read our tips for new parents here.
13. A person grows approximately 0.3 inches while sleeping. However, they will shrink to normal once gravity pushes against their bones when they wake and stand up.
14. Staying up all night to study can reduce your capacity for learning and remembering new facts by 40%.
15. One in four married couples sleep in separate beds - with some in separate rooms. This is known as 'sleep divorce' and can be caused by one partner snoring or being overly restless in bed. Read about it here.
16. It is impossible to sneeze while sleeping.
17. In Japan, napping at your job is seen as a sign of diligence, as it implies you've worked so hard, to the point of exhaustion. The Japanese call it 'inemuri', which translates as 'present while sleeping'.
18. Before the 1800s, people slept in batches. They had a 'first' and 'second' sleep. Towards the evening they would sleep for 3 - 4 hours, wake for 1 - 2 hours to do some activities, then go back to sleep until morning.
...and some interesting facts about our animal friends
19. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep, so they don't drift away from each other.
20. A snail can sleep for three years.
21. Whales and dolphins never fall asleep fully. One half of their brain rests, whilst the other stays awake, so they can continue breathing, swimming and staying alert of their surroundings. This is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep or USWS.
Better Sleep Starts with Natural Comfort
At Devon Duvets, we’ve been individually handcrafting luxurious duvets, toppers and pillows for nearly two decades. Each one is designed and made to create a better sleep environment for a more restful night. Breathable, temperature regulating and chemical-free, our products are made with natural materials such as wool and alpaca, encased in pure cotton. For more details, visit our website.