What is the typical duration of the sleep cycle in adults?

The typical duration of the sleep cycle in adults is approximately 90 minutes. This cycle includes various stages of sleep, starting from lighter sleep (Stage 1), moving into more profound sleep (Stages 2 and 3, which encompass non-REM sleep), and culminating in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

During a full night's sleep, an individual will experience several cycles that last around 90 minutes each, leading to a pattern where lighter and deeper sleep alternates with REM periods. As the night progresses, the duration of REM sleep increases while deeper sleep stages decrease in duration.

Understanding this cyclical nature is crucial for polysomnographic technicians, as it guides the interpretation of sleep studies and the identification of potential sleep disorders. This awareness helps in providing better sleep health education and in designing effective treatment strategies.