• Question: Why are some people heavy sleepers and others light sleepers?

    Asked by Ayayai to Hayley, Jimi on 18 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Hayley Moulding

      Hayley Moulding answered on 18 Mar 2016:

      Great question. It is a very personal thing. I think there is a lot to do with your DNA and genetics as to whether you are a light or deep sleeper. Not just DNA though, I think it must also be your environment. If you live in a very very safe place., you might be happier sleeping deeply and not have as much disturbed sleep as other people which might live and sleep in a dangerous place. Even if you have genetics telling you are a deep sleeper, then the environment you are in might change this. Just the same if you are a light sleeper and then you move somewhere safer. You might be able to sleep more deeply if you are less ware of your surroundings and less scared to sleep. It is a very interesting question. I think genetics and environment must work together!

    • Photo: Jimi Wills

      Jimi Wills answered on 18 Mar 2016:

      There are a number of factors, but three of them are:

      how much physical activity the person does in their life
      how “toned” their nervous system is (especially dopamine, which is also related to Parkinsons)
      whether the person is under a lot of stress

      But others can include whether the person get enough sunlight, as this affects the daily rhythm of the body.

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