Sleep Across the Lifespan by Kiel Science Communication Network

This visualization is based on the systematic review and meta-analysis "Sleep characteristics across the lifespan in 1.1 million people from the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States." It was published as a double-page spread in the science magazine Spektrum der Wissenschaft (the German-language edition of Scientific American).

Rather than summarizing sleep data with a few statistical lines, this visualization offers a highly detailed and engaging approach. Each percentile is represented by an individual line, while every single data point in the dataset is displayed as part of a point cloud. This high-resolution depiction preserves the richness of the original data, encouraging exploration and discovery.

To ensure clarity and accessibility, the chart is supplemented with annotations and example data points. Key insights are highlighted with accompanying text for different age ranges, helping readers contextualize their own sleep habits within broader patterns. This layered approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters personal connections with the data, making it more relatable and impactful.

By combining precision with an intuitive design, the visualization transforms complex data into an engaging narrative—inviting readers to explore, compare, and reflect on their own sleep across the lifespan.