When it comes to good, quality, restful sleep, we sometimes have to take measures to prepare our environment and bodies for maximum benefit. Our bodies need to refuel, recharge, and take time to heal, and much of that healing comes when we sleep. Not only are there different stages of sleep, but experts agree that the amount of each stage of sleep we get each night impacts how we feel, and how well our bodies repair when we sleep. Let’s dive into the deep sleep stage, how much deep sleep we need, as well as exactly what happens to our brains and bodies when we get the right amount.

The 4th Stage of Sleep – Understanding Brain Function and REM Patterns

It’s widely accepted that there are 4 basic stages of sleep. Stages 1 and 2 are lighter stages, while stages 3 and 4 help your body drift deeply into sleep and your brain waves and functions slow down. REM sleep is sometimes considered a 5th stage of sleep, and refers to periods throughout your sleep cycle where brain function almost looks the same as a brain that is fully awake. Most of our sleep is categorized as non-REM sleep, or NREM. REM sleep can only take place during the 4th stage, when our bodies are completely relaxed.

During the deepest, heaviest stage of sleep, our bodies and brains do amazing work. During your deep sleep cycles, your body goes through functions to repair, heal, and organize our memories and cognitive processes. During this deep sleep cycle, our brains file away our memories, organize and collect thoughts and things we’ve learned, and assist in building and repairing neural pathways that help us collect and recall information.

REM cycles of sleep are when we are most likely to dream. Our first REM cycle happens roughly 90 minutes into our normal and healthy, uninterrupted sleep cycle. We undergo a temporary form of relaxed paralyzation that keeps us from reacting physically to cognitive stimulation taking place while we are resting.

Below are a few of the amazing biological and physiological processes that take place during deep stages of sleep:

• Emotions processing and learning
• Detoxification
• Cell regeneration and repair
• Metabolic balancing
• Immuno function balancing and strengthening
• Release of certain necessary hormones
• Increased oxygen consumption in the brain

Of course, the list of benefits of getting enough deep sleep is not limited to these examples, but the cognitive and physical impacts on our bodies is huge! Getting enough quality deep sleep is imperative to wake up refreshed and energized. 

Photo by Bruce Christianson onUnsplash  – The deep sleep stage is imperative to our body’s ability to heal and repair. It is during this type of sleep that we are most likely to dream.

How Much Deep Sleep Do Our Bodies Need?

Because so much healing is done during a quality, restful sleep cycle, not getting enough can lead to a variety of health-related issues. Some health-related disorders and diseases that are associated with sleep deprivation or inadequate sleep cycles can include stroke, dementia disorders, diabetes, heart disease, cognitive degradation, weight gain, and many more. 

While every person is different, our age tends to dictate the amount of each stage of sleep we need on average for maximum benefits. An adult around the age of 30 may only need around 2 hours of deep stage sleep, while a toddler might need much more to help with cognitive development. Disorders and diseases like sleep apnea can impact our sleep cycle and prevent us from getting the most out of our sleep.

Normal sleep cycles for adults consist of about 75% NREM sleep, with the remaining 25% dedicated to REM sleep and deep sleep stages. Our bodies cycle through these stages several times throughout the course of the night and ensure we’ve prepared ourselves to get the very best sleep we can every night. For some helpful tips to prepare your sleep space, and wind down for a good night’s sleep, check out our blog here.

A restless night can leave us feeling groggy and leaves us with a fuzzy feeling in the morning. Sleep deprivation can impact our cognitive function both short and long-term and can open the door to other health problems as we age. If you’re struggling with maintaining a healthy sleep cycle, or would like help addressing underlying health issues that may be impacting your sleep, reach out to the Integrated Wellness Clinic of Philly. We’d love to help you feel your best each morning!