-Our bodies are programmed to follow a
circadian rhythm; a biological clock that regulates our natural rhythms
and processes based on a 24 hour day. This clock includes your sleep
schedule.
-Different
amounts of natural and artificial lighting around us can drastically
effect our sleep patterns, as it throws our biological clocks off.
-While your body may be still and inactive while asleep, sleep is one of the most
active times for your brain.
-Your brain undergoes a cycle of 5 distinct sleep stages every 90 minutes.
-Stage 1: Light stage of sleep, allows muscles to relax and body to slow down. Normally the first and last stage of sleep before drifting off or waking up naturally.
-Stage 2: Transition stage, light sleep, heart rate, brain activity and breathing slow down. Getting your body ready for deep sleep.
-Stage 3: Also known as "slow wave sleep". This is when your brain waves become delta waves. While your brain activity is slowed, you can still experience quick bursts of faster waves.
-Stage 4: Deepest sleep of the night, maintaining the slow delta waves. This is when your body does most of its repair and restoration.
-Stage 5: This stage of sleep, also known as "active sleep" or REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep). This is when the brain is most active during the sleep cycle. Your breathing, blood flow, and brain activity speed up, similar to you being awake. Your body also undergoes moments of sleep paralysis during times in this stage.