[Donnah (OP)]

Why are some people light sleepers who wake at the drop of a pin[:0] while others are able to saw logs deeply throughout the night[|)]?

[bezoar]

Cause some people drink, and some people don't.

Other than that, could be your level of exhaustion when you hit the sack.  I think, personally, it has to do with your need for awareness.  For instance, when my children were young, I was a very light sleeper.  Now, I sleep much more soundly, and then again, even moreso if I've been sleep deprived for a few days.  As a younger nurse, when I worked the night shift (7p-7a), when I finally slept, I died.  The kids would even practice piano and I slept through it.  Barring drugs, I think it has to do with your level of exhaustion and sleep deprivation.

[Exodus]

I can sleep through almost anything, i also find i have quite distinct dreams that i can remember quite well the next day.

Resident Tour Operator - The Naked Scientists

[chris]

I have always been a fairly light sleeper, yet bizarrely I can fall asleep in a noisy (moving) car, in a fully-lit room or in front of the TV.

It certainly depends on how tired you are, your level of arousal, anxiety or excitement (not sexual), and how much caffeine or alcohol you have drunk !

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[Exodus]

quote:Originally posted by chris

I have always been a fairly light sleeper, yet bizarrely I can fall asleep in a noisy (moving) car, in a fully-lit room or in front of the TV.

It certainly depends on how tired you are, your level of arousal, anxiety or excitement (not sexual), and how much caffeine or alcohol you have drunk !

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Ah, alcohol, that explains a lot... []

Resident Tour Operator - The Naked Scientists

[Quantumcat]

It might be how long each individual is in REM sleep, too.

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[Donnah (OP)]

Good point, Quantum.  The light sleepers probably don't get as much REM and thus feel less rested than the heavy sleepers.

[bezoar]

And the heavy drinkers don't get as much REM either.  And they don't feel very well rested, even though they might have slept for a long time.  Or maybe they're just comatose and appear to be asleep.  But I am a light sleeper, and only sleep 4-6 hours a night, yet I feel rested when I awaken.

[Sepia]

It has to do with your emotional state when you fall asleep. If you have no worries and are layed back (by taking weed, or alchohol) you sleep more soundly than if you are stressed (by kids, or just normal problems) its also the reason for restless sleepers []

It all depends on what type of person you are... no worries, or stress freak [xx(] that why most people are inbetween the two.