Here’s a brief description of each stage of the sleep cycle:
1. Stage 1 - Light Sleep: This stage marks the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It’s a light sleep where you can be easily awakened. Brain waves start to slow down, and muscle activity decreases.
2. Stage 2 - True Sleep: In this stage, you’re in a deeper sleep, but still relatively easy to wake. Brain waves continue to slow, and you may experience occasional bursts of rapid brain activity.
3. Stage 3 - Deep Sleep (NREM): This is the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It’s difficult to wake someone in this stage, and if they are awakened, they may feel groggy or disoriented. Brain waves are predominantly slow with occasional bursts of rapid activity.
4. Stage 4 - Deeper Sleep (NREM): This stage is also part of deep sleep, with even slower brain waves than stage 3. It’s often referred to as slow-wave sleep (SWS). It’s the hardest stage to wake from, and if woken, you may feel extremely disoriented. This stage is important for physical restoration and growth.
5. Stage 5 - REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement): REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreaming. It’s the stage where most dreaming occurs. Muscles are relaxed, almost paralyzed, to prevent acting out dreams. REM sleep is essential for cognitive processes and emotional regulation.
