Sleep Efficiency

Definition

Sleep efficiency is a measure of how much time you actually spend sleeping while you're in bed, compared to the total amount of time you spend in bed.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Sleep efficiency is calculated as the ratio of total sleep time to time spent in bed. It is expressed as a percentage and is used to assess the quality of sleep. High sleep efficiency indicates that a person spends a large proportion of time in bed sleeping, with minimal time falling asleep or being awake.

Benefits

• Improved physical recovery and growth
• Better cognitive function and memory consolidation
• Enhanced mood and mental health
• Lower risk of chronic health conditions
• Better weight management through regulated hormones

Examples

• A person with high sleep efficiency might go to bed at 10 PM, sleep by 10:15 PM, wake up at 6 AM, and get out of bed straight away.
• A person with low sleep efficiency might spend an hour awake in bed due to insomnia, resulting in less actual sleep.

Additional Information

• effects: High sleep efficiency is associated with better sleep quality and overall health. Low sleep efficiency may indicate sleep disorders or habits that negatively impact health.

Related Terms

• Sleep Hygiene
• Sleep Cycle
• REM Sleep
• Sleep Latency
• Sleep Quality

References

• The Relationship Between Sleep Efficiency and Health
• Improving Sleep Efficiency: Tips and Techniques