How Does a Sleep Cycle Work?
The process of sleep is one that our bodies instinctively know how to do. It is a critical and regular element of how our bodies function. However, when insomnia strikes, it is useful to get a better understanding of how our sleep cycle actually works – so that we can reset it!
Sleep consists of two distinct states that alternate in cycles and reflects differing levels of brain nerve cell activity. During a normal night’s sleep, one progresses through these stages about five or six times:
Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (Non-REM) sleep is also termed quiet sleep. Non-REM is further subdivided into three stages of progression:
- Stage 1 (light sleep).
- Stage 2 (so-called true sleep).
- Stage 3 to 4 (deep “slow-wave” or delta sleep).
With each descending stage, awakening becomes more difficult. It is not known what governs Non-REM sleep in the brain. A balance between certain hormones, particularly growth and stress hormones may be important for deep sleep.
Rapid Eye-Movement Sleep (REM) sleep is termed active sleep and most vivid dreams occur during this stage. REM-sleep brain activity is comparable to that in waking, but the muscles are virtually paralyzed, possibly preventing people from acting out their dreams.
In fact, except for vital organs like lungs and heart, the only muscles not paralyzed during REM are the eye muscles. REM sleep may be critical for learning and for day-to-day mood regulation. When people are sleep-deprived, their brains must work harder than when they are well rested.
The cycle between quiet (NREM) and active (REM) sleep generally follows the same pattern. After about 90 minutes of Non-REM sleep, eyes move rapidly behind closed lids, giving rise to REM sleep. As sleep progresses the Non-REM/REM cycle repeats. With each cycle, Non-REM sleep becomes progressively lighter, and REM sleep becomes progressively longer, lasting from a few minutes early in sleep to perhaps an hour at the end of the sleep episode.
So, that’s how we sleep. Our bodies know how to do this, but sometimes they need some extra assistance from us. If you haven’t already – check out “Sleeping Secrets Exposed” (you can sign up for this FREE ebook on the right!) which contains an entire section on how you can ‘Close the Door on Your Day’ and allow your body to do what it knows best – how to sleep!
Tags: insomnia, Insomnia Help
Subscribe