Sleep Stages Comparison

Sleep stages comparisons shows us that different functions are performed within our bodies during the sleeping process – depending on what stage of rest we are in. Sleep stages have been compared by many sleeping research institutions around the world, and researchers have learned important things about each stage of rest. There are 5 stages of sleeping that we go through each night, although some researchers include waking as a stage of rest, and therefore believe that there are a total of six sleep stages.

The first stage of sleep occurs first in the sleeping cycle. It is a period of drowsiness where the eyes are closed. This stage lasts for five to ten minutes until moving into stage two. Stage two in comparison is a light sleep period where the muscles are relaxing, the heart rate becomes slower, and the body temperature drops. Stage two prepares the body for deep sleep.

Compared to 1 and 2 stage three and stage four run closely together. Many comparisons have been done for stages three and four because they are both periods of deep sleep. These comparisons have shown that stage four is the deepest sleep a person obtains, and it is called the delta sleep. During stage four, regeneration of the muscles and brain takes place. This is the stage where your actual ‘rest’ is obtained. Stage four is usually reached during the first three hours of rest.

Stage five is the REM period. Rapid Eye Movement sleep causes the heart rate to speed up compared to the previous stages, and twitching may occur. This is the period when dreams occur and our brains are quite active during this period compared to the previous stages. In fact, many scientists believe that this is the period when everything that you learned since the last time you slept is firmly ‘implanted’ into your brain. The 5 stages of sleep are repeated throughout the night, and if undisturbed, a person usually wakes naturally after the final REM stage which lasts about an hour.

See Also: Sleep Problems Comparison

About The Author:
Andrew Thomas is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.sleep-disorders-help.com.