Stages of Sleep

Every person has about 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily. Yet not all sleep is the same. Today we'll be take a look at the different stages of sleep and how they affect the quality of our sleep.

Stage 1 - We usually enter this stage when we just go to bed. In this stage, you are drifting in and out of consciousness. Breathing is slightly slowed and muscles start to relax. Stage 1 sleep consists mostly of theta waves and brief periods of alpha waves, similar to those present while awake. Stage 1 usually only last a few minutes before either waking up or going to Stage 2.

Stage 2 - By stage 2 we are usually fully unconscious. This stage lasts around 20 minutes. The brain starts to produce bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain wave activity called sleep spindles. Body temperature decreases and heart rate slows.

Stage 3 - Slow delta waves start to appear. Stage 3 is the beginning of deep sleep. People who are awakened from deep sleep usually feel disoriented. Much growth and healing occurs in this stage.

Stage 4 - Delta waves dominate this stage. This stage is the longest of all stages and the deepest stage of sleep. Sleepwalking, snoring and sleep apnea usually occurs at the end of this stage of sleep.

REM Sleep - Most dreaming takes place at this stage. When we enter REM sleep, our heartbeat quickens and eye movement occurs. Brain activity increases and muscles are paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our dreams.

Note that sleep does not progress through these stages in order. Sleep starts at stage 1 and progresses into stages 2, 3, and 4. After stage 4 sleep, stage 3 and then stage 2 sleep are repeated before REM sleep begins. When REM sleep is over, the body usually resumes stage 2 sleep and progresses deeper again, in a cycle. REM sleep will gradually increase in length as the cycle repeats.

Since much restoration takes place in deep sleep, it is important for us to sleep in large blocks rather than to spread out our sleeping. Ensuring uninterrupted sleep is therefore crucial to getting better sleep. Try to minimize disturbances to your sleep to get a better night's sleep. Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea may affect your quality of sleep, so try to get them treated.