10.40 Sleep and Fatigue (Alertness Management)

10.40.2 Explain how individuals differ in their requirement for sleep. 

Individuals differ in their requirement for sleep due to many factors, including:

• age,
• genetics,
• lifestyle, and
• health status.

While the average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep per night, some individuals may require more or less sleep to feel rested and alert.

For example, infants and young children require significantly more sleep than adults, while older adults may require less sleep due to changes in their sleep patterns.

Genetics can also play a role in an individual's sleep requirements, with some people naturally requiring more or less sleep than others.

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can also impact an individual's sleep needs, with some people requiring more sleep during periods of high stress or physical activity.

Finally, health status can also impact an individual's sleep requirements, with certain medical conditions or medications affecting the quality and quantity of sleep needed to feel rested and alert.

10.40.4 Explain the effects of the following alertness management techniques: 

(a) napping 

Napping can be an effective way to improve alertness and reduce fatigue, particularly when taken at strategic times during the day.