Sleep Stage Goals: How Do I Know What to Strive For?

Well, it turns out that when we report about what’s “typical”, “normal”, or “average” sleep, it doesn’t mean that the values we show are “optimal”. Unfortunately for sleep, there is no accepted target for how much Deep or REM you should be getting, just what people usually get.

That being said, the broad ranges given by age and gender populations can provide guidance, especially when nearing or even outside what’s typical. Getting far more or much less than is typical could be a sign that something else is wrong. Even then, measuring how much sleep you get from night to night can allow you to also discover what daytime factors could be keeping you from getting the kind of sleep that helps you feel your best during the day.

If you’d like to learn more about some of the ways to manage the amounts of Deep or REM sleep that you get, or even about the relative importance of Light sleep – check out some of these other resources:

• How can I increase time in Deep?
• How important is Light Sleep?
• Does my Deep:REM ratio mean anything?
• What’s the Difference Between Deep and REM?
• What’s Your ZQ?:
• Is it Possible to Get Too Much REM?
• Should I Try to Reduce my REM?

Still have questions?  Ask yours here

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