Sleep Performance Metrics are quantitative, objective measures used in clinical practice and research to evaluate the efficiency, quality, and architecture of an individual’s sleep. These metrics include Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Latency to Sleep Onset (LSO), and the proportion of time spent in specific stages like Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS) and REM sleep. They provide a precise, data-driven assessment of restorative capacity and neurological function.
Origin
This terminology originates from polysomnography (PSG) and actigraphy, the gold standards in sleep science, which moved the field beyond subjective reporting to objective, quantifiable data. The “performance” aspect links sleep quality directly to daytime functional output, cognitive resilience, and metabolic health.
Mechanism
These metrics are physiologically driven by the circadian rhythm and homeostatic sleep drive, which govern the timing and intensity of sleep stages. High performance, characterized by low LSO and high SWS/REM percentage, reflects robust neuroendocrine signaling, particularly the nocturnal release of growth hormone and melatonin. Conversely, poor metrics indicate dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis or excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, impairing restorative processes.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.