Why do infants require more sleep than an older person?

Infants require more sleep than older individuals because their bodies and brains are rapidly developing. During sleep, critical processes such as growth, brain maturation, and memory consolidation occur, which are essential for their overall development. Additionally, infants have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in REM sleep, which is vital for cognitive and emotional development. As they grow, their sleep needs gradually decrease as their bodies and brains mature.