Sleep is an important issue for everyone. We need sleep to be relaxed in everyday life, so that the body can regenerate and for our mental health.
But what is sleep? And how do you know how long you have to sleep?
Sleep consists of phases, so-called sleep phases or sleep stages, which can best be recognized by brain activity.
When we sleep, the brain processes information and experiences from the day, which is why a lack of sleep disturbs the processing of these and, without much sleep, we usually feel like mud and, above all, perceive mental weakness.
It is interesting that it is not only processed but also thought ahead. Just think how often you went to bed pondering a problem and woke up in the morning with a solution.
But now to sleep itself:
Sleep consists of five phases:
Fall asleep phase, light sleep phase, deep sleep phase, REM sleep phase and transition phase
Fall asleep phase: This is the first phase of sleep and usually lasts 5-10 minutes. The body relaxes and breathing slows. It's easy to interrupt sleep.
Light sleep: This phase of sleep is deeper than Stage 1 and can last up to twenty minutes. During this time, body functions continue to slow, body temperature drops, and the brain works to recover from the day.
Deep sleep: This is the phase of slow-wave sleep , also known as deep sleep. During this time, the body is completely relaxed, breathing and heartbeat slow down, and it is difficult to stand up. During this phase, physical recovery and regeneration takes place. The immune system is strengthened.
REM phase: This is the REM sleep phase during which dreams occur. While the body is almost completely relaxed, the brain is very active. In this phase, the mental recovery and the consolidation of memory takes place.
The fifth phase is a synthesis of all previous phases and is sometimes referred to as the "transition phase". The body alternates between REM and non-REM sleep phases while slowly recovering until it finally wakes up.
Which sleep phase is the most important for us?
All stages of sleep matter and are necessary for healthy sleep quality and are important for physical and mental recovery. Each sleep stage performs specific tasks, and the body needs each stage to fully recover and regenerate.
The deep sleep phase, also known as slow wave sleep, is the most important sleep phase as it is responsible for the recovery and regeneration of the body. In this phase, bodily functions are reduced to their lowest level. This allows muscles and tissues to relax, allowing the body to repair and recover.
In addition, deep sleep plays a major role in brain maturation:
Source: https://www.nzz.ch/wissenschaft/medizin/der-tiefschlaf-als-spiegel-der-hirnreifung-ld.732890
Especially at the age of 11 to 14 years, the intensity of the slow brain waves reflects the intensity of the connection of the nerve cells in puberty. However, this does not happen simultaneously, but in certain sequences.
It begins in the back of the head, where visual sensory impressions are processed. This is followed by the motor and language areas in the parietal and temporal lobes located above and to the side. Last but not least, the frontal areas associated with goal-directed action and self-regulation mature.
However, the REM sleep phase, " Rapid Eye Movement", is also crucial for memory recovery and consolidation. Muscle tension is kept at a very low level during this phase, with the exception of the eye and respiratory muscles.
It is believed that this relaxation also helps the body enter a state of paralysis during the REM phase to prevent one from acting out and harming oneself or others while asleep.
The REM phase accounts for about 20% to 25% of adult sleep time and occurs in multiple cycles throughout the night. Adequate amount of REM sleep is important for optimal mental recovery and memory consolidation. Sleep disorders or other factors that interfere with REM sleep can lead to sleep disorders and other health problems.
Conclusion
In summary, sleep is a complicated affair made up of different phases, each with their own functions and effects on our bodies and minds. A balanced sleep cycle with all sleep phases is essential for healthy physical and mental recovery.
The REM sleep phase is responsible for the mental consolidation and processing of information, while the deep sleep phase is particularly important for physical regeneration and recovery. The other sleep phases also have their own functions and contribute to the overall sleep cycle.
In order to ensure that all phases of sleep are adequately covered and that healthy sleep is promoted, it is important to establish a solid sleep routine. If you still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, sleep-inducing products can help you sleep better.
Please visit our " Sleep Disorders " category and discover our wide range of products to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and promote sleep through the night.
