Objective

Understand how sleep needs and patterns change throughout life, and learn how mattress choices can address age-specific sleep requirements to support better health and comfort.

Bullet Point Curriculum

• Sleep Needs by Age:
  • Infants and Young Children:
    • Require 12-16 hours of sleep daily (including naps) to support rapid growth and brain development.
    • Consistent bedtime routines are crucial for healthy sleep habits.
    • Mattresses should be firm for safety and hypoallergenic to reduce allergens.
  • Teenagers:
    • Need 8-10 hours of sleep but often get less due to late-night schedules and early school start times.
    • Natural circadian shifts make it harder for teens to fall asleep early and wake up early.
    • Mattresses that relieve pressure and improve comfort can support deeper sleep during limited hours.
  • Adults:
    • Require 7-8 hours of sleep to support daily functioning, mood, and physical health.
    • Sleep patterns may vary due to work schedules, stress, and lifestyle habits.
    • Medium-firm mattresses are ideal for spinal alignment and body support.
  • Older Adults:
    • Often experience lighter, more fragmented sleep and wake earlier.
    • Require the same 7-8 hours of sleep but may have difficulty achieving uninterrupted rest.
    • Motion-isolating and temperature-regulating mattresses can improve comfort and reduce disruptions.
• Special Sleep Needs During Pregnancy:
  • Pregnancy often brings discomfort, back pain, and changes in preferred sleeping positions (side-sleeping is recommended).
  • Dunlop latex or individual pocket-coils with extra cushioning and support can ease pressure points and promote comfort.
• Circadian Rhythm Changes Across Life:
  • Infants: Shorter sleep cycles and frequent awakenings.
  • Teenagers: Delayed circadian rhythm makes them “night owls.”
  • Adults: Stable rhythm, though irregular schedules can disrupt alignment.
  • Older Adults: Earlier bedtimes and wake-up times due to shifting circadian rhythms.
• The Role of Mattresses Across Life Stages:
  • Infants: Firm mattresses ensure safety and spinal support.
  • Teens and Adults: Pressure-relieving mattresses improve comfort and promote deeper, restorative sleep.
  • Older Adults: Motion-isolating and cooling features improve comfort and reduce partner disturbances.
• The Link Between Sleep and Health at Every Age:
  • Infants and children need sleep for physical and cognitive growth.
  • Teens and adults rely on sleep for memory consolidation, mood regulation, and immune support.
  • Older adults need quality sleep to maintain mental clarity and reduce health risks like heart disease.

Table Format Curriculum

Topic	Learning Objectives	Key Points	Sales Application
Infants and Young Children	Understand sleep needs and safety considerations	- 12-16 hours daily (including naps). - Firm, hypoallergenic mattresses ensure safety and comfort.	Recommend firm, hypoallergenic mattresses for parents looking for safe and clean sleep environments for their children.
Teenagers	Recognize the unique sleep challenges of adolescence	- 8-10 hours needed but often disrupted by circadian rhythm shifts. - Pressure-relieving mattresses support better rest during limited hours.	Highlight pressure-relieving mattress options for teens struggling with late-night schedules and insufficient sleep hours.
Adults	Address the sleep needs of working adults	- 7-8 hours of quality sleep supports daily functioning and mood. - Medium-firm mattresses aid spinal alignment and reduce discomfort.	Emphasize medium-firm mattresses that improve alignment and reduce back pain for adults with sedentary or active lifestyles.
Older Adults	Understand age-related sleep changes	- Lighter, fragmented sleep. - Cooling and motion-isolating features improve comfort and minimize disruptions.	Suggest mattresses with cooling and motion isolation for older customers experiencing temperature sensitivity or partner disturbances.
Pregnancy	Support pregnant customers with unique sleep needs	- Side-sleeping is recommended for comfort. - Latex or pocket-coil mattresses reduce pressure and ease back pain.	Recommend cushioning and supportive mattresses for pregnant customers seeking relief from discomfort and better body alignment.
Circadian Rhythm Changes	Recognize how body clocks change across life stages	- Infants wake frequently; teens are “night owls”; adults and older adults have stable but shifting rhythms.	Guide customers on mattresses that support their sleep preferences and align with their body clock changes.
The Role of Mattresses	Learn how mattress features align with sleep needs across the lifespan	- Firm for infants, pressure relief for teens/adults, and motion isolation/cooling for older adults.	Tailor recommendations to age-specific sleep needs, ensuring the right level of support, comfort, and durability for every stage of life.