Sleep is one of the most essential parts of a person’s life. You might have never seen a person who doesn’t like to sleep or has never slept. Just like eating, drinking, and having vital organs is essential for survival, sleep is equally important. Our body has some very complex functions happening in the internal body that we can never understand. Nature’s way of organizing and functioning our body is through properly resourcing while we are asleep. You may never know what goes inside your body when you’re sleeping. Still, with the advancement of science, every piece of information is at our fingertips. People who are insomniac or do not like to sleep for long hours might feel very typical but deep inside their body might be fighting deficiencies. So, the question arises, what actually happens to your body when you’re sleeping soundly?
In the early ages, scientists believed that their whole body, including their mental and physical body, also sleeps when a person sleeps. However, research shows that our body goes through so many physical and mental processes when we’re asleep.
One of the two kinds of sleep cycles that happens when we are asleep is REM sleep. In this process, you do rapid eye movements (REM). It basically occurs when you’re deep asleep and seeing dreams. It makes you move your eyelids rapidly, have faster breathes, and your blood pressure might rise like in the daytime. Your whole body develops a symptom of “fight or flight,” yet your entire body stays still! Now, this is what we can call a wonder of the development of science.
The other process of your sleep cycle is the Non-REM sleep which actually happens at the start or end of your sleep. In this process, your brain becomes more distant from the outside world, and no one can disturb your sleep. Your thoughts and bodily functions slow down as you’re transferring towards a deeper level of sleep. As the name suggests, non-REM rest does not let you have eye movements or other physical gestures.
Your sleep is divided into four stages, with the first and second stage being Non-REM sleep, where you will be sound asleep and feeling no movements or motions.
Consider watching this video to know more about the effects of oversleeping…
1st stage.
In the first stage, you will just dose off to sleep, which will let you have no moments at the start. Your whole body functions and movements slow down in this stage. This phase lasts only about 7 minutes.
2nd stage.
The second stage is the non-REM sleep, in which you will have a light sleep before going into much depth. Your body temperature will start decreasing, and your eye movements also slow down more. Your heartbeats and muscles will begin to be more relaxed and comfortable. Your brain waves will spike for a brief moment and then slows down. According to research, your body spends the most time in stage 2.
3rd stage.
In the third stage, you’ll have a non-REM sleep in which your brain and eye movements slows down even further. This phase is very efficient for your body as it will help your skin cells to improve, your body will replenish the cells and tissues. All these functions will help you develop a healthy body and skin, making you wake up fresh.
4th stage
In the fourth stage, REM sleep is experienced. It is based on the rapid eye movements from side to side during sleep. This also means that your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will also increase. This stage also signifies the importance of the brain processing information. Your brain will help improve memory and brain health. Another critical aspect of stage 4 is the occurrence of dreams, as your brain will be working the most even when you’ll be sound sleeping.
People often think of sleep as a waste of time or something ineffective. Still, it is actually quite essential and should be taken at the suggested time. A healthy adult is guided to take at least 7-8 hours of sleep in a day to remain healthy.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!