Sleep is a well-known naturally occurring condition of body and mind, often characterized by decreased awareness, decreased daytime sensory activity, decreased muscle activity and mobility during slow eye movement sleep (REM) sleep, and decreased social interactions with the surrounding environment during REM sleep. Sleep is crucial for maintaining our health and well-being, promoting healing, and eliminating certain diseases and conditions. We spend approximately half of our lifetime asleep and much of our waking life in a state of deep sleep. Sleep disorders occur when the quality of sleep is less than optimal or absent.
Sleep stages are based on the duration and stage of sleep. Stage one of sleep is typically referred to as non-rem sleep or stages three and is the deepest stage of sleep. Stage two is usually referred to as REM sleep or rapid eye movement sleep stage three. Rapid eye movement sleep or rapid eye movement is also known as dreams or nocturnal sleep.
Individuals have differing sleep requirements according to their bodies. Individuals that normally require more sleep at night may be able to get by on fewer hours of sleep if they sleep in a quiet room instead of going to sleep in a bed. Conversely, individuals who need more sleep may need to go to bed earlier and take naps during the day. The degree of your need for sleep will depend on your age, physical health, lifestyle, and the symptoms of your medical conditions. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should ensure that you get enough sleep.
Sleep cycles consist of four stages: light, restful, deep, and wakefulness. At each stage of sleep, the brain releases chemicals (serotonin and melatonin) to help maintain the normal cycle of the body’s waking functions. The amount of sleep you need depends on the duration of each stage of sleep. For example, if you spend four hours in deep sleep, you will require less sleep than someone who sleeps for four hours in light sleep.
Although it may be hard to believe, a lack of sleep can actually cause diabetes. People who are chronically deprived of sleep are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who are in reasonably good health. Although it is difficult to prevent this unfortunate side effect, there are things you can do to alleviate the risk. Getting more exercise, reducing stress, and making sure that you are getting enough sleep are good ways to avoid diabetes. Although it may seem difficult to make a sleeping schedule, it is important to try to get as much sleep as possible during the day and to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
As you can see, there are many consequences of falling asleep faster than you should. The four stages of sleep are meant to help your body to establish a pattern for the day and to help you fall asleep at the right time. If you do fall asleep in time, however, you run the risk of waking up too early or too late and the reverse can also happen. In order to avoid these consequences, you need to ensure that you get as much of REM sleep each night as possible.