Sleep is a natural, recurring condition of the body and brain, characterized by shortened sleep duration, decreased sleep quality, low concentration and increased wakefulness, primarily during the early stages of sleep. There are many factors that can affect the quality of sleep. These include genetic, physiological and environmental factors.
There are many ways to determine whether sleep is being obtained or not. Some of these methods are objective and involve testing the sleeping habits of individuals. Another method of determining sleep patterns is by using the MILD technique. This test has been proved to be accurate, non-invasive, and reliable. It is often used in assessing sleep deprivation and other possible sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, brain activity slows down and the eyes move slowly and sluggishly. Some people are able to sleep through all four stages of REM; others need help to get to the fourth stage. To monitor REM sleep behavior, some research laboratories will use electrodes attached to the subjects’ head. When the subjects are asleep, the electrodes will pick up the eye movements and movement patterns, which are converted into an electrical signal and recorded by the computer.
Stage I and II of REM sleep are separated by about ten seconds. The first stage of REM sleep, also known as slow stage, lasts between four and seven seconds. Stage III and IV are separated by about ten seconds only. The average age for first REM sleep is between three and five years old, while the average age for first stage of REM sleep is between five and seven years old.
Some people do not remain asleep long enough to reach the point of first stage REM sleep. In these cases, they may remain awake for several hours or even longer. People who do not sleep well or who have difficulty falling asleep in a timely fashion may find themselves waking up in the middle of the night, feeling tired and irritable. It can also be difficult to fall asleep in a timely fashion. This may contribute to daytime sleepiness, which itself can contribute to daytime sleepiness.
If you are suffering from any of the types of sleep disorders, you may be interested in learning more about the solutions available. Getting enough sleep is important, as this helps keep you alert and energetic throughout the day. The good news is that many of the sleep disorders have clear solutions. As a matter of fact, most sleep disorders can be treated by simply making sure that you get enough sleep on a regular basis.