Sleep Initiation
Sleep begins with the transition from wakefulness to light sleep, known as Stage 1. Brain waves slow down, muscle activity decreases, and consciousness begins to fade. This initial phase typically lasts several minutes, characterized by easily disrupted sleep and occasional muscle jerks. The environment and pre-sleep routines significantly influence how quickly and effectively this transition occurs.
Light Sleep Phase
Stage 2 sleep involves further slowing of brain activity with brief bursts of electrical activity called sleep spindles. Body temperature drops, heart rate slows, and the body prepares for deeper sleep. This stage occupies about 50% of total sleep time in adults. The brain processes and consolidates information from the day during this phase.
Deep Sleep Period
Stages 3 and 4 represent deep sleep, characterized by delta waves in brain activity. Physical restoration occurs during this time, with increased growth hormone release, tissue repair, and immune system strengthening. Deep sleep is most prevalent in the first third of the night. Children spend more time in deep sleep than adults, supporting their growth and development.
REM Sleep Stage
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep occurs approximately every 90 minutes, featuring increased brain activity similar to wakefulness. Dreams occur primarily during this stage, while the body experiences temporary muscle paralysis. REM sleep plays crucial roles in emotional processing, memory consolidation, and learning. The proportion of REM sleep increases in later sleep cycles. Shutdown123