Have you ever wondered how many sleep stages there are? Most people think that sleeping includes just one restful stage, but in reality there are actually four distinct stages of sleep : Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM). Each with its own unique characteristics and functions.
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Understand what sleep is and why it’s important.
Sleep is a crucial aspect of our lives and serves numerous purposes. It aids in the regulation of our biological processes, the consolidation of memories, and the acquisition of new information.
Furthermore, regular sleep can aid in improving physical and mental health, as well as give us the energy we need to get through the day.
Know the stages of sleep and how many there are.
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) are the two major sleep stages. REM is a type of deep sleep that lasts about 20 minutes and is characterized by dreaming.
Depending on the individual, NREM is separated into three stages of light to deep sleep that span 30 to 90 minutes.
These four stages of sleep combine to form a single cycle that repeats numerous times during the night.
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Learn the difference between non-REM and REM sleep.
During NREM sleep, the body’s physiological functions slow down and the brain is less active. This stage is characterized by slow brain waves and muscle relaxation.
NREM sleep is divided into three stages, with stage 1 being the lightest and stage 3 being the deepest.
During stage 3, also known as slow-wave sleep, blood flow to the brain is reduced, and the body’s temperature and heart rate decrease.
On the other hand, during REM sleep, the brain is highly active, with fast and irregular brain waves. The eyes move rapidly, and the body’s muscles become temporarily paralyzed.
This stage is associated with dreaming, and it is during REM sleep that the brain processes and consolidates memories.
The sleep cycle typically starts with NREM sleep, then progresses through the stages of NREM sleep before entering REM sleep.
The cycle then repeats, with each REM stage lasting longer as the night progresses. An average sleep cycle lasts around 90 minutes, and during a typical night, a person will go through 4-6 sleep cycles.
The alternation between NREM and REM sleep is important for healthy sleep and overall well-being.
NREM sleep is important for physical restoration, while REM sleep is important for cognitive and emotional processing.
How long each stage of sleep lasts?
Stage one of the non-REM sleep cycle usually lasts for around 5 to 10 minutes. Stage two is a slightly deeper sleep and typically takes up around 50% of total sleep time.
Stages three and four are much deeper and occur for around 20 to 40 minutes every night. REM typically occurs multiple times during the night, with each stage lasting between 15 and 20 minutes.
the benefits that come with getting quality sleep.
Sleep is critical to our physical and mental wellness. It improves alertness, attention, decision-making abilities, and reaction times.
Quality sleep can also boost immunity, improve moods, boost creativity, and aid in stress management. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis can help you stay healthy and energized throughout the day!