How Sleep Works: The 5 Stages Explained 😴🧠
Sleep isn't a single state - it's a journey through 5 distinct stages that repeat 4-6 times per night. Each stage has a specific function for physical and mental health.
The 5 Stages of Sleep 🌙
Stage 1: Transition (5-10min)
- Light sleep
- Easy to wake up
- Muscles relax
- Hypnagogic jerks
Stage 2: Light Sleep (20min)
- 50% of total sleep
- Temperature drops
- Heart rate decreases
- Preparation for deep sleep
Stage 3: Deep Sleep (20-40min)
- Delta waves
- Hard to wake up
- Muscle repair
- Growth hormone
- Immune system strengthens
Stage 4: Very Deep Sleep
- Deepest stage
- Physical restoration
- Memory consolidation
Stage 5: REM (10-60min)
- Vivid dreams
- Eyes move rapidly
- Body paralyzes
- Emotional processing
- Creativity
Complete Cycle 🔄
Duration: 90-110 minutes
Repetitions: 4-6 per night
Ideal: Wake up at the end of a cycle
Why Each Stage Matters 💡
Deep Sleep:
- Physical repair
- Growth
- Immunity
REM Sleep:
- Mental health
- Memory
- Learning
- Creativity
Conclusion 😴
Quality sleep means going through all stages properly. Interruptions harm physical and mental restoration.
Read also:
- What Happens to Your Body When You Sleep
- How Dreams Work
- 15 Curiosities About the Human Body