slaapen

Slaapen is the Dutch term associated with the act of sleeping. In modern standard Dutch, the infinitive is slapen; slaapen is rare and mainly found in historical texts or dialects. Sleep is a natural, recurring state characterized by reduced consciousness and sensory activity, allowing the body and brain to rest and restore.

Sleep consists of cycles of non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep. Across a night, people typically go through several ~90-minute cycles, including stages N1, N2, N3 and REM. NREM supports physical restoration, while REM is linked to dreaming and memory processing. The glymphatic system clears waste more actively during sleep.

Regular sleep is linked to health, cognitive function and safety. Chronic sleep loss is associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, mood disorders and impaired performance. Common disorders include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy. Treatments range from sleep hygiene to cognitive behavioral therapy and, when needed, medical interventions.

Guidelines suggest consistent bedtimes, a cool dark room, and limiting caffeine or screens before bed. Sleep needs vary by age: adults typically require 7–9 hours per night, while children and teens need more; older adults may experience lighter sleep or shorter durations.

Social and cultural factors influence sleep patterns, including artificial light and work schedules. In some cultures, daytime napping remains common, while others emphasize consolidated nocturnal sleep.