Benchmark · Sleep Efficiency

Sleep Efficiency by Age

Polysomnography-measured sleep efficiency across the lifespan. How consolidation changes with age, and what population-average benchmarks look like.

Sleep efficiency by age group (PSG data)

Age GroupMean Efficiency25th %ile75th %ileClinical threshold
18–3089%84%94%Normal: ≥85%
31–4587%81%92%Normal: ≥85%
46–6084%76%90%Normal: ≥82%
61–7580%71%87%Normal: ≥78%
75+75%64%83%Age-adjusted norms apply

Source: Ohayon MM et al. Meta-analysis of quantitative sleep parameters from childhood to old age in healthy individuals. Sleep. 2004;27(7):1255-73.

Age context matters: A 70-year-old with 78% sleep efficiency is performing within normal age-adjusted range, not exhibiting clinical insomnia. Absolute thresholds without age adjustment are misleading.
Not medical advice: Benchmark data is for educational reference only. Consult a qualified clinician for health concerns.