Somnus Interruptus

Not news: 7-8 hours of night time sleep is better than shortened sleep.

News: Shortened sleep is better than interrupted sleep (with the same hours).

those who woke up repeatedly showed less slow wave sleep, or the deep sleep that is normally linked to feeling restored and rested, than those getting the same amount of sleep but in a continuous session.

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The study explains why new parents are irritable and perhaps even depressed [bold added]:

Based on the subjects' brain waves, the researchers determined that the people whose sleep was interrupted spent less time in deep, slow-wave sleep. The shortage of slow-wave sleep was tied to lower levels of positive mood, the study found. And those who were awoken frequently not only felt less energetic, but also less friendly and sympathetic, the researchers found.

Geezers, especially males, generally aren't roused in the middle of the night by crying babies but have their own problem of somnus interruptus. Aging bladders cannot hold as much urine as before. If the choice is between being well-rested or well-hydrated, your humble observer opts for sleep.

Good night, and sweet, thirsty, uninterrupted dreams.