The stages of sleep and its functionalities.

Have you ever wondered about your sleeping methods? In general, most people are not aware of the fact that you get different stages of sleep. Therefore, we will be looking at – what is sleep, the stages of sleep and its functions.

What is sleep?

To most people this is straightforward. However, it is more than just closing your eyes and resting your body for a few hours. Sleep occurs when your body goes into an altered state of consciousness. In this state, your body can do many things from muscle relaxation to restorative healing.

What are the (NREM) stages?

Stage 1:

Your brain waves and muscle activity slows down. This is light sleep, where you are prone to jerking or having spasm like movement. In this as well as the following stages, you will have non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

Stage 2:

Your breathing slows down, brain waves and body’s temperature drop some more. This is a stage where you are slowly becoming unaware of the surroundings around you but can be easily shaken awake.

Stage 3&4:

The deep sleep phase. Here your body temperature drops once again, blood pressure drops and muscles relax. This is where your body starts healing or restoring itself, fortifying the tissue and muscles. It is difficult to be awakened in these stages.

Rapid eye movement sleep:

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep starts to occur after about 90 minutes or more in a normal sleep cycle. This is normally where your dreams occur, and where the body is paralyzed. The end of one REM to the end of the next is considered a cycle. Therefore, on average people have about 4-5 cycles per 7-8 hours of sleep. REM kicks in once you enter into a stage where you can easily be awakened, for instance going from stage 3 into stage 2 will trigger REM sleep.

What are its functions?

You will find that during sleep you receive benefits like brain, tissue and energy restoration. This is where your memory improves, and so much more.

Sleep is important simply because of the healing process that is available mentally, physically and emotionally. Looking into your specific sleeping routines is always encouraged by us. This way you will always be aware of your body, where sleep is concerned.

To discover more about how to improve your sleep by choosing the perfect bed, mattress and linens, visit our showrooms in Cape Town and Johannesburg.