Have you ever thought about what happens when you sleep? What is the purpose of sleep, and how important is it? Is it true that when we sleep, our bodies and minds go to sleep? What exactly is sleep?

“Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and reduced interactions with surroundings.”– Wikipedia.

The brain does not go to sleep; rather, it alternates between two types of sleep.

1. Non-REM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) – This stage of sleep has four stages:

1. The stage between falling asleep and staying awake, which lasts a few minutes.
2. The second stage is a continuation of the first stage, with a drop in body temperature.
3. Deep sleep begins in the third stage.
4. The fourth stage is when the body relaxes and the individual falls asleep.

2. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) – This is the stage during which you have dreams because your brain’s activity increases. This usually takes an hour or two of non-REM sleep.

Sleep is an extremely important part of the human body because it is required for growth in both children and the elderly. Sleep is also essential for maintaining good health and a strong immune system. Sleep deprivation can cause mood swings, obesity, hallucinations, and a variety of other health problems.

Infants require up to 16 hours of sleep, toddlers 12 hours, teenagers 9 hours, and adults 7 to 8 hours.

Exhaustion can occur as a result of a sustained lack of adequate sleep hours over a period of time.

Caffeine, alcohol, antidepressant medications, and weather are all factors that influence sleep quality.

Some examples of sleep disorders are:

1. Insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep.
2. Narcolepsy –  also known as sleep attacks, is a condition in which you fall asleep frequently during the day despite having a good night’s sleep.
3. Snoring – This is a type of sleep disorder in which the person in question snores while sleeping. Snorers usually have a restless night’s sleep.
4. Sleep apnea – A condition in which breathing is interrupted while sleeping. In this case, a change in sleeping position and weight control may be beneficial.
5. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) – This is a tingling or pricking sensation in the leg while sleeping. If such a situation persists, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Here are some tips to practice in order to get a good sleep;

– Keep phones and other electronic devices away from you before going to bed.

– Schedule sleep time; it is best to have a specific time to sleep and a specific time to wake up every day, and then stick to the schedule.

– If you lie down to sleep and do not feel sleepy, grab a book and read until sleep comes calling; it is preferable to thinking in bed.

– Avoid exercising right before going to bed.

– Avoid consuming caffeine close to bedtime.

– Make an effort to clear your mind before going to bed.

– Purchase comfortable bedding for a restful night’s sleep.

-Before going to bed, take a warm bath to help with relaxation.

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” — Irish Proverb

Sources 

https://theconversation.com/sleep-heres-how-much-you-really-need-for-optimal-cognition-and-wellbeing-new-research-181879

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12148-sleep-basics

Author : Amiakhor Beatrice Ejaeta Degree : Major : Accounting Country : Nigeria Language : English View Author Profile Visit Atlantic International University