Sleep latency is the time between trying to sleep and actually falling asleep. A healthy range is roughly 10–20 minutes. Consistently falling asleep in under 5 minutes can signal sleep deprivation, while routinely taking more than 30 minutes can indicate insomnia or a circadian-rhythm issue. It is a common endpoint in sleep-aid trials.
Also known as
sleep onset latency
Related terms
- Melatonin
- Hormone the brain releases at night to signal sleep; also a supplement used to shift sleep timing.
- Circadian rhythm
- The ~24-hour internal clock that governs sleep, alertness, and hormone release, set mainly by light.