What is a key indicator of sleep quality?

The depth and continuity of sleep stages are critical indicators of sleep quality because they reflect how well the body progresses through the different phases of sleep necessary for restorative sleep. Quality sleep involves cycling through light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep, each of which plays a vital role in physical health and mental well-being.

When these sleep stages are deep and uninterrupted, it typically leads to better overall sleep quality, contributing to effective recovery and cognitive function. In contrast, fragmented or shallow sleep can result in fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and overall decreased health. Thus, measuring the depth and continuity of sleep stages offers a more comprehensive assessment of sleep quality compared to other factors, such as the amount of time spent in bed or the specific type of mattress, which may not directly affect the restorative processes during sleep.