What does the term “sleep fragmentation” describe?

Sleep fragmentation refers to the occurrence of frequent interruptions in sleep that can disrupt the sleep cycle and adversely affect overall sleep quality. When sleep is fragmented, it leads to multiple periods of awakening or disturbances that prevent the individual from progressing through the necessary stages of sleep. This can result in a reduction of deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, both of which are crucial for restorative sleep, memory consolidation, and overall health.

High sleep fragmentation can occur due to various factors such as sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), environmental disturbances, or underlying medical conditions. Individuals experiencing fragmented sleep often report feelings of tiredness or fatigue despite spending a normal amount of time in bed, as the continuous interruptions prevent adequate restorative sleep.

In contrast, continuous sleep without interruptions reflects an ideal sleep state, while the quality of sleep during the REM stage refers specifically to one of the many stages of sleep, and prolonged periods of deep sleep denote a healthy sleep pattern but do not adequately define the concept of sleep fragmentation itself.