What does sleep latency measure?

Sleep latency measures the time it takes for an individual to transition from full wakefulness to sleep after lying down. This measurement is significant in understanding sleep onset and can be influenced by various factors, including sleep disorders, sleep hygiene, and the environment. A shorter sleep latency may indicate sleep deprivation or increased sleep drive, while a longer latency may suggest insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

In the context of sleep studies, evaluating sleep latency helps clinicians assess the patient's sleep patterns and overall sleep health, making it an essential metric in polysomnography.