Facts You Need To Know About Sleep

Sleep is an all natural recurring state of body and mind, characterized by modified awareness, reduced sensory activity, decreased muscle activity, decreased emotional arousal and inhibition of almost all voluntary muscles during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, and decreased interactions with the external environment. It is during REM sleep that most dreams occur, and REM sleep accounts for roughly 90% of the human brain’s activity. There are several theories on the mechanics of sleep: the rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), the complex light and sound (CFL) sleep, and non-restorative sleep. All sleep patterns exhibit a circadian rhythm, with phase shifted sleep rhythms being more acute than circadian rhythms.

The term “spontaneous sleep” refers to a state of deep sleep that occurs without the involvement of motor functions or waking thought. In this condition, the brain is in a state of wakefulness, but the eyes, ears, heart, muscles and other body tissues remain asleep. Spontaneous sleep occurs when the body’s processes allow it to sleep away most of the “sleep debt”, leaving most of the neurons inactive. Neurochemicals in the brain, including acetylcholine and GABA, control sleep and wakefulness.

Types of sleep: There are four basic types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REMS), non-rapid eye movement (NREM), REM and dream sleep. REM sleep accounts for about 90% of the human brain’s activity. NREM sleep is the deepest sleep of all and involves deep stages of sleep such as rapid eye movement and dreaming. Dream sleep is the final stage of NREM sleep. It is usually not remembered by anyone, occurring during REM sleep only. Rapid eye movement sleep is the first stage of sleep that occurs during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and is generally shorter than other stages.

How much sleep do I need? Experts generally advise that adults need about eight hours of sleep each night, with a maximum of nine hours per night. Some experts believe that a person should not need any sleep at all during the day. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person; however, most people need about six hours of sleep at night, with the number of hours needed primarily reflecting the person’s age and lifestyle.

When can I sleep a good night? A good night’s sleep is essential to good health, and the quality of sleep and length of sleep can be affected by many factors. In adults, many factors such as diet, sleep hygiene and stress levels can affect sleep duration and quality. If you find that your bedroom is less active or that you wake up feeling less refreshed than usual, then you may need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

Will my memory loss happen if I sleep less? Our memories are not lost because we sleep less. In fact, sleeping longer actually enhances the ability to remember things because the brain is given more time to process and consolidate information. So a short nap or even going to the gym a few days before bedtime can help make you sleep better. Also, staying active and fit will also improve your mental state and allow you to sleep better.