REM Sleep Amounts and Melatonin
School Name
Chapin High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
This study investigates the cause-and-effect relationship between melatonin consumption and the amount of REM sleep obtained by an individual through a causal-comparative research design. The research aimed to determine whether melatonin significantly influences REM sleep duration. Three participants, aged 16-17, were selected for the study. Each participant was an athlete with similar extracurricular activities to minimize external variables affecting sleep patterns. To ensure accurate data collection, all participants wore sleep-tracking watches, which recorded their sleep stages, including REM sleep duration. The study followed a structured approach of a week supplemented (according to participants typical sleep regimen) and a week without nightly melatonin intake. This design allowed for direct comparison of REM sleep between conditions. Data collected over multiple nights were analyzed by a paired-Test to identify trends and potential differences in REM sleep duration between melatonin and non-melatonin nights. Factors such as individual differences in metabolism, natural sleep cycles, and external influences may have played a role in variations of the data. Although in despite of the small sample size, this study provides preliminary insights into the potential impact of melatonin on REM sleep.
Recommended Citation
Lane, Laken, "REM Sleep Amounts and Melatonin" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 17.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/17
Location
PENNY 210
Start Date
4-5-2025 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
REM Sleep Amounts and Melatonin
PENNY 210
This study investigates the cause-and-effect relationship between melatonin consumption and the amount of REM sleep obtained by an individual through a causal-comparative research design. The research aimed to determine whether melatonin significantly influences REM sleep duration. Three participants, aged 16-17, were selected for the study. Each participant was an athlete with similar extracurricular activities to minimize external variables affecting sleep patterns. To ensure accurate data collection, all participants wore sleep-tracking watches, which recorded their sleep stages, including REM sleep duration. The study followed a structured approach of a week supplemented (according to participants typical sleep regimen) and a week without nightly melatonin intake. This design allowed for direct comparison of REM sleep between conditions. Data collected over multiple nights were analyzed by a paired-Test to identify trends and potential differences in REM sleep duration between melatonin and non-melatonin nights. Factors such as individual differences in metabolism, natural sleep cycles, and external influences may have played a role in variations of the data. Although in despite of the small sample size, this study provides preliminary insights into the potential impact of melatonin on REM sleep.
