Sleep is a complex process that involves different stages and types of sleep. Two main types of sleep are Non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep. NREM sleep has three stages, while REM sleep occurs in a separate stage. Understanding the importance of both types of sleep can help us appreciate the importance of good sleep hygiene and the consequences of sleep deprivation.
Non-REM Sleep
The first stage of sleep, known as NREM sleep, typically accounts for 75% of our entire sleep period. This kind of sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, learning, and physical restoration and repair. The body temperature drops, blood pressure and heart rate drop, and breathing slows down during NREM sleep. Moreover, the brain waves slow down, and the body enters a deep state of relaxation.
When you first go to sleep, you experience stage 1 NREM sleep, which is a light slumber. You might have clonic jerks at this point, which are abrupt muscle contractions that might jolt you awake. The majority of NREM sleep is stage 2 NREM sleep, which is a deeper stage of sleep. In this phase, the body continues to relax as cerebral activity slows. The third stage of NREM sleep, commonly known as slow-wave sleep, is the deepest state of sleep (SWS). It is challenging to awaken from this stage of sleep because the brain produces sluggish, high-amplitude delta waves throughout this period.
REM Sleep
The amount of time we spend in REM sleep, which happens roughly 4-5 times per night on average, accounts for about 25% of our overall sleep time. The body is paralysed while the brain is very active during REM sleep. At this phase of sleep, the eyes move quickly, and dreams start to appear. Memory consolidation, mood control, and learning are all aided by REM sleep. Furthermore, essential for brain growth and maintenance is REM sleep.
Importance of Both Types of Sleep
REM and NREM sleep are both necessary for good health and wellbeing. While REM sleep is essential for maintaining alertness and controlling emotions, NREM sleep is critical for physical recovery. For the purpose of keeping a regular sleep schedule and enhancing general health, it is imperative to get enough of both types of sleep.
Both NREM and REM sleep can be significantly impacted by sleep loss. Lack of sleep can affect memory consolidation, emotional control, and cognitive performance. Several other health problems, including as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression, have also been connected to chronic sleep deprivation.
We can better understand the value of good sleep hygiene and the effects of sleep deprivation if we are aware of the significance of both NREM and REM sleep. For the best possible health and well-being, it’s important to get adequate sleep, both in terms of quantity and quality.