The Five Stages of Sleep
There are five stages of the natural Sleep Process, stage
one is REM (Rapid Eye Movement) whilst stages two to five,
fall under the umbrella of SWS (Short Wave Sleep or non
REM) as shown in the diagram.
The Sleep Stages
There are five stages of the natural Sleep Process, stage
one is REM (Rapid Eye Movement) whilst stages two to five,
fall under the umbrella of SWS (Short Wave Sleep or non
REM) as shown in the diagram.
Starting in phase 2 adults pass through stages 3, 4,
5, and then onto REM sleep, the cycle is then repeated
three or four times. Each time the cycle is repeated it
shortens slightly, resulting in us spending less time
in deep sleep and more time in REM sleep.
Infants, by contrast, spend about half of their sleep
time in REM sleep.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
Stage 1 - Dream sleep. When we switch
into REM sleep, Stage 1, our breathing becomes more rapid,
irregular, and shallow, our eyes jerk rapidly in various
directions, and our limb muscles become temporarily paralyzed.
Our heart rate increases and blood pressure rises. When
people awaken during REM sleep, they often describe bizarre
and illogical tales — dreams.
SWS (Short wave sleep or non REM)
Stage 2 – Drowsy. During stage2,
which is light sleep, we drift in and out of sleep and
can be awakened easily. Our eyes move very slowly and
muscle activity slows. People awakened from stage 2 sleep,
often remember fragmented visual images. Many also experience
sudden muscle contractions called hypnic myoclonia, often
preceded by a sensation of starting to fall. These sudden
movements are similar to the "jump" we make
when startled.
Stage 3 - Light sleep. When we enter
stage 3 sleep, our eye movements stop and our brain waves
(fluctuations of electrical activity that can be measured
by electrodes) become slower, with occasional bursts of
rapid waves called sleep spindles.
Stage 4 -Deep sleep. In stage 4, extremely
slow brain waves called delta waves begin to appear, interspersed
with smaller, faster waves.
Stage 5 - Deep rejuvenating sleep. By
stage 5, the brain produces delta waves almost exclusively.
It is very difficult to wake someone during stages 3 and
4, which together are called deep sleep. There is no eye
movement or muscle activity. People awakened during deep
sleep do not adjust immediately and often feel groggy
and disoriented for several minutes after they wake up.
Some children experience bedwetting, night terrors, or
sleepwalking during deep sleep.
Please sleep well, but at the same time, Sleepcheaper!
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