People often complain about bad sleep quality and problems related to sleeplessness. The reasons behind this can be poor lifestyle, eating habits as well as certain physical and psychological issues. But this is something that we all are familiar with. What many of us are unaware of is that every sleep cycle has 5 stages, which ensures that one experiences a sound and quality sleep everyday. To understand it further in detail, the ETV Bharat Sukhibhava team spoke to Dr. Veena Krishnan, Senior Psychiatrist, who explained the complete sleep process to us.
5 Stages Of Sleep
Dr. Krishnan explains that our sleep cycle basically consists of five stages and is based on the mental waves. If any of these steps are skipped or left incomplete, it not only affects our sleep quality, but also has a huge impact on the growth and repair processes carried out by our body when we are asleep. Also, if the problem of sleeplessness or poor sleep quality is prolonged, it can increase the risk of several serious diseases and disorders.
Following are the 5 stages as explained by our expert:
Stage 1:
In the first Non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase or stage of the sleep cycle, a person starts feeling sleepy. The Alpha and Theta waves are generated in the brain and gradually begin to get activated. These waves affect the brain and slowly the person’s heartbeat and breathing slows down and the muscles are relaxed. He/she starts going to sleep. This condition is also known as ‘Positive Myoclonus’.
Stage 2:
This is a light sleep Non-REM phase, before you enter into a deep sleep. In this stage, the activation of theta waves increases slightly as compared to the first stage but is not active enough to take the brain under control. Many times in this state, the slightest noise or discomfort can wake a person up. The brain waves propagate upwards and downwards, creating sleep spindles.
Stage 3 and 4:
Sleep is deepest in this final stage of Non-REM and the body is completely relaxed. Since the delta waves in the brain are activated, these stages are also known as delta sleep. This is one of the best phases of the sleep cycle as all health related activities, such as tissue/muscle repair, development, and cell regeneration occurs in this stage. Our body’s immunity is also strengthened here.
Stage 5
This is the REM stage, where a person starts dreaming. Pupil activity in the eyes can be seen in children and the baby can be seen smiling while asleep or changing expressions (like making a crying face). Through their slightly open eyes, you may be able to see the constant movement of the pupils.
The REM stage too has different levels. The first one is the primary dreaming phase, which starts for about 10mins and increases with each cycle. The last stage or level of REM sleep lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Eye movements are fast during all levels of REM. Breathing and heart rate increases. The muscles of the body become temporarily relaxed but the activity of the brain increases.
Therefore, a good quality sleep is highly recommended by doctors and experts as a lot of repair work takes place in the body. It relaxes our mind and body and helps us wake up refreshed and active the following day.
