MODEL

Adult Learner

Systems Change

Factor Connections

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Sleep is the suspension of consciousness when the body and brain rest. When people do not get enough or consistent Sleep, mood and cognitive skills are reduced and learning is affected.

Main Ideas

Sleep deficit is associated with cognitive impairments that become increasingly evident with more demanding cognitive tasks. Adults are more likely to experience disturbances in their sleep quantity and quality; women report greater difficulty falling and staying asleep than men, possibly due to hormonal differences; and adults with ADHD are more likely to have sleep difficulty and disturbances. These can worsen with various medical issues with increasing age. Increased exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, is also linked to less Sleep in adults. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following amounts of sleep:

  • Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours
  • Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours
  • Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

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